Padang – With the advancement of technology and time, Class II Railway Engineering Centre Padang (BTP Padang), which is responsible for the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA), Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, must continuously innovate to provide the best service to the people of West Sumatra.

On Tuesday (August 20), BTP Padang attended the 2024 Technical Coordination Meeting (Rakornis), which focused on the theme "Collaboration and Synergy between the Government, Railway Operators, and the Public towards Quality Services."

During the meeting, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi emphasized that collaboration among stakeholders is the key to advancing transportation in Indonesia. One of the latest breakthroughs discussed was the Autonomous Tram (ART), which is now operating in Nusantara Capital City (IKN), East Kalimantan.

The Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system is a new form of transportation with a length of up to 30 meters and dual-facing capability, allowing it to operate in both directions. Unlike conventional trains, ART does not run on rails but uses a road surface equipped with magnet sensors/radar on all sides. This technology enables ART to operate driverless, similar to the Jabodebek LRT.

“Trains are loved by the public because they are punctual, comfortable, and sustainable,” said Minister Budi Karya Sumadi in his remarks.

In the same session, the Minister mentioned that the Ministry of Transportation is working to realize the objectives outlined in Law No. 23/2007 on Railways, which aims to create an inclusive, open, and highly competitive railway sector.