On Tuesday, 30 April 2024, the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to draft the Strategic Plan (Renstra) of the Directorate General of Railways for the 2025-2029 period. The purpose of this FGD was to formulate strategic steps for the next five years to support the development of railway infrastructure in Indonesia, identify challenges and opportunities in the development of the railway sector, and devise policies that align with national needs. The discussion also focused on how transportation planning can be integrated with other national development programs, such as carbon reduction and energy efficiency improvements.

Participants in the FGD included representatives from central and regional governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society organizations. Experts and discussants from outside the Ministry of Transportation, such as PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), PT MRT Jakarta (Perseroda), PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero), Bappenas (National Development Planning Agency), and the Ministry of Finance, were also invited. The active participation of these diverse groups is expected to result in a comprehensive and inclusive plan that addresses multiple aspects of railway development.

Several key topics discussed during the FGD included:

1. Enhancement of Railway Infrastructure Capacity and Quality: This includes the development of double-track lines and electrification, as well as the renewal of the railway fleet.

2. Improvement of Management Systems—Including the use of digital technologies to increase operational efficiency.

3. Funding Strategies: Involving cooperation between the government and the private sector to accelerate railway infrastructure development.

4. Environmental Considerations—Efforts to ensure that infrastructure development is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.

In formulating the Strategic Plan for 2025-2029, the Directorate General of Railways also needs to consider the resolution of several strategic issues:

1. Human Resource Issues—Addressing the need to anticipate the evolution of railway technology.

2. Implementation of New Railway Technologies—for both rolling stock and infrastructure.

3. Creative Financing: To reduce the burden on the state budget for railway infrastructure development.

4. Regulatory Needs: To support the policy directions of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan.

In facing future challenges, the Strategic Plan document should outline activities categorized into asset creation (development and new technologies) and value creation (optimizing existing infrastructure to increase its value, both in terms of capacity and service/utilization). The Directorate General of Railways should also consider regulations related to advertising on railway facilities and infrastructure to support business growth through Non-Fare Box (NFB) strategies.

Furthermore, the Strategic Plan should not only include the physical infrastructure to be built (in terms of kilometers) but also detail the financing schemes and the parties involved to facilitate the implementation of these activities. The outcomes of this FGD will serve as the foundation for the formulation of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan of the Directorate General of Railways, which will guide the implementation of railway programs and projects in Indonesia over the next five years.

This plan will focus on enhancing infrastructure capacity, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. With a strong and focused strategic plan, it is hoped that the railway sector in Indonesia will advance further and contribute significantly to national economic growth and the welfare of society.

(TA)

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