Tight Social Restrictions; Jakarta Not Proposing Train Suspension

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta provincial administration stated that it did not ask for the temporary suspension of the Jabodetabek commuter line or KRL. The city transportation agency head Syafrin Liputo confirmed that a stoppage in train operation was not noted in the large-scale social restrictions or PSBB policy.

“Until now, we have no option to propose it to the minister,” said Syafrin to Tempo on Friday, April 17. “In the PSBB policy, there is no closure of transport services unless there is a substitution.”

Syafrin mentioned an example that if the operation of the train service is stopped, the city administration must provide alternative transportation for the public.

As reported earlier, regional heads of Bogor, Depok, and Bekasi or Bodebek suggested the KRL operations be stopped during the PSBB period. West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil said the train operations would be suspended after Greater Tangerang enforced the tight social restrictions on April 18.

However, state-run railway operator PT KCI was awaiting discussion between the central and regional governments regarding the matter. Jabodetabek Transportation Management Agency (BPTJ) head Polana Banguningsih Pramesti had not yet announced any decision until yesterday.

“The proposal on the suspension of KRL operations by Bodetabek governments requires further discussion. Until April 17, the trains remain operating from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.” said Polana.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY | LANI DIANA WIJAYA