THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION PRESENTS AN ELECTRIC TRAIN OUTSIDE JABODETABEK, AND THE YOGYA-SOLO ELECTRIC TRAIN BEGINS ITS TEST WITH A LIMITED PASSENGER CAPACITY

Jakarta (20/1) The Yogya Solo Electric Rail Train began testing with limited passengers today, following a thorough system integration trial that lasted several months (20 January 2021). On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, the Directorate General of Railways, in collaboration with PT. KCI, held a Webinar with the theme “The presence of the Yogya-Solo KRL” to socialize and prepare for the trial. This webinar activity is part of an effort to introduce the Yoga-Solo KRL by presenting resource persons from the government, operators, observers, and communities, as well as participants from various community and media groups in Yogyakarta and Solo.

On this occasion, Director General of Railways Zulfikri stated that the development of electrification of trains or KRL in Yogya–Solo is the Directorate General of Railways' commitment to providing railway facilities that are effective, efficient, and affordable for the community while supporting the President and Vice President's Vision and Mission by realizing compliant transportation.

Previously, the Prambanan Express Diesel Rail Train (KRD) served the Yogya-Solo railway line, which saw an increase in occupancy and the extension of the line to Kutoarjo Station. Because of this increase, the Directorate General of Railways, in collaboration with PT. KAI is required to innovate in order to meet the needs of adequate mass transportation on the Yogya-Solo route.

Furthermore, Zulfikri stated that the electrification selection in the Yogya-Solo Corridor was in accordance with the results of the Feasibility Study, which stated that with a population of nearly 10 million, the potential growth of train passengers on the Yogya-Solo line in 2021 is 5,921,890, an increase of 29,320,769 in 2021. in 2035. “The existence of KRL will also help to improve transportation connectivity at the Borobudur KSPN and encourage economic recovery activities in areas affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, because the Yogya-Solo corridor is technically a double lane, construction will be simpler and more efficient," said Zulfikri.

The fare charged by passengers is Rp. 8000, - at the time of operation later (eight thousand rupiahs). This fare is the same as the Prameks train fare, which serves the Yogya-Solo corridor. "The fare is the same as that of the Prameks train for the first year, and this has received a PSO subsidy from the government," Zulfikri added. The operation of the Yogya-Solo Electric Rail Train will be evaluated in the future to determine occupancy and public interest in using the Electric Rail Train. The Prameks Train is still in service, with an adjustment in the service time of the Electric Rail Train, which is later expected to be completely replaced by the Electric Rail Train,

Meanwhile, Putu Sumarjaya, the Head of the Central Java Regional Railways Engineering Center, stated that the construction of the Yogya-Solo Railway Electrification for approximately 60 kilometers began in 2019 and will be completed in early 2021. Infrastructure testing and safety assessments have been completed to date in preparation for the operation of the Yogya-Solo Electric Rail Train. “A series of tests, including safety assessments and system synchronization with other types of trains, have been conducted. "This is to ensure that the Yogya-Solo Electric Rail Train is safe to operate," he explained.

The Indonesian Railways Company (Persero) has also reopened a number of stations on the Yogyakarta-Solo route that was previously inaccessible to train passengers. Gawok, Delanggu, Ceper, and Srowot are the stations. "By reopening these stations to users, we hope to increase transportation access for the surrounding community while also encouraging the revival of the local economy in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic," explained Didiek Hartantyo, President Director of Indonesian Railways Company.

Meanwhile, PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia hopes to gather feedback from various parties regarding the Yogyakarta - Solo Electric Railroad service during this trial period so that it can best serve the community when it is fully operational later. "Throughout the trial period, we will continue to educate the public, stakeholders, and relevant government agencies about services, operations, rules, ticket use, and rules for using the Electric Rail Train. The presence of the Commuterline Electric Rail Train, hopefully, will provide an option for urban transportation for people in Yogyakarta, Solo, and surrounding areas "Wiwik Widayanti, President Director of PT KCI.

The trial with limited passengers is scheduled to begin on January 20, 2021, with invitations sent to local governments in the Yogyakarta D.I area, Regional Governments in the Central Java Region, as well as media and communities. Meanwhile, from February 1 to February 7, 2021, a public trial will be held at a cost of Rp. 1 billion (one rupiah). During this pandemic, however, trial participants are limited to avoiding crowds and must register online, the mechanism of which will be explained further.  During this trial, all passengers must follow health protocols by always wearing masks, keeping a safe distance, washing their hands, and wearing long sleeves. Director-General of Railways Zulfikri, President Director of PT KAI Didiek Hartantyo, President Director of PT KCI Wiwik Widayanti, Head of Central Java BTP Putu Sumarjana, Transportation Observer Djoko Setijowarno, and Representative of Pramekers Yusticia Eka Noor Ida were present as resource persons at this webinar.

Head of Legal Division of the Directorate General of Railways
Ministry of Transportation
YENNESI ROSITA
VPCorcom PT. KCI