SOE Deputy Minister Will Again Seek to Import Used Trains

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - SOE Deputy Minister Kartika Wirjoatmodjo stated that the government will again seek to import used trains from Japan. He underlined that the import is needed given the high accumulation of passengers during peak hours.

“We are still discussing it. Later on Monday, we’ll meet with the Chairman of the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP). We’ll ask for an emergency import,” he told reporters at the Senayan Parliament Complex, South Jakarta, on Wednesday, April 12.

As widely reported, the planned imports of second-hand trains from Japan were hampered due to a lack of BPKP recommendations. However, Kartika revealed that next week's follow-up meeting will again discuss the option with the relevant ministries, namely the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, and Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan.

He estimated that the government will import 10 to 12 used trainsets to meet this year’s needs. The SOE Ministry claimed to have discussed this matter with state-owned railway operators PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI), and state-owned train manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA). 

Kartika underlined that this import will only be carried out temporarily, or only in 2023, as new trains will be purchased from PT INKA in 2025. Meanwhile in 2024, there will be a retrofit or addition of new technology or features to the old trains which will take 12 months.  

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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