TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian commuter rail firm PT KAI Commuter or KCI revealed the reasons behind the purchase of three series of new electric trainsets from China-based company CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd.

KCI secretary Anne Purba explained that KCI had discussed with train manufacturers from various countries. Some manufacturers even sent their proposals. Among others was Japanese train manufacturer J-TREC. KCI received the J-TREC proposal in October 2023.

"The producer informed a change in technical recommendation and financing proposed in the previous proposal,” Anne said in an official statement on Friday, February 2, 2024.

In addition, she said that KCI had talked with South Korean manufacturers; Wojin and Dawonsys, as well as China’s CRRC Cifang Qingdao that produced Indonesia’s first bullet train Whoosh.

Based on KCI’s rail procurement meeting after receiving proposals from the four parties, CCRC Sifang could meet all the technical specifications and delivery time stated in the requirements and at a competitive price compared to other products.

The reputation and track record of CRRC Sifang also came into consideration, Anne explained. She said that the Chinese manufacturer has collaborated with 28 countries in the world.

In addition, CRRC Sifang agreed to transfer knowledge for future operational handling. Therefore, KCI signed the deal of new rail procurement with CRRC Sifang Co.

KCI will import three new trainsets with the KCI-SFC120-V series. Anne explained that KCI-SFC120-V also complies with the technical specifications determined by the Directorate General of Railways at the Ministry of Transportation.

"In the procurement process, KAI Commuter goes through stages and lengthy technical discussions, and follows the principles of good corporate governance," said Anne.

Amelia Rahima Sari

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