Garut (20/02) - To ensure that the trial process for the railroad crossing Cibatu Station - Garut Station is carried out according to plan, the Director of Railway Traffic and Transportation of the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) Risal Wasal conducted a field review with the Garut Regent on Sunday (20/02). In this activity, the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Garut Regency, Military District Commander (Dandim) 0611/Garut, Muspida Garut, and the people of Garut were also present with strict health protocols.

In his dialogue with the residents, Risal expressed his greatest appreciation to all levels of the Garut Regency Government and other parties involved in the effort to operate the Cibatu-Garut route after 40 years. "Thank God, this trial activity can run smoothly and optimally with the support of the Regent and everyone here," said Risal.

The field review carried out today is a follow-up to a series of infrastructure trial activities carried out on 12-19 February 2022. "According to the schedule, this series of trial activities will be continued by entering the trial and run stage starting from today until March 13, 2022, later," continued Risal.

The trial and run stage referred to by Risal is a trial stage using facilities containing limited passengers. In this case, Risal explained that the trial and run activity began today with the trial of the Extraordinary Train (KLB) from Garut Station to Pasar Senen Station.

"The enthusiasm of the community towards the reoperation of the train line to Garut is extraordinary. It can be seen throughout the trial trip that the community is looking forward to the presence of a series of outbreaks at the station," said Risal.

Risal emphasized that this series of testing activities is a mandate from Law Number 23 of 2007 concerning Railways. "This activity is an important prerequisite before the railway infrastructure can be operated to ensure the safety and feasibility of railway lines, buildings, and operating facilities," he continued.

On the same occasion, Garut Regent Rudy Gunawan expressed his confidence regarding the contribution that the reoperation of the railway line to Garut could make to the economic growth and tourism of Garut Regency. "Therefore, allow us to express our greatest appreciation and gratitude from the people of Garut to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, the Minister of Transportation, PT. KAI, as well as the ranks of the Central Government who have realized the reoperation of this railway line," continued Rudy.

Furthermore, Rudy said that the reoperation of the railway line could encourage the people of Garut to innovate in developing industry and tourism in their area. "We are ready to welcome newcomers and tourists with leather jackets, culinary, nature tourism, as well as our extraordinary arts and culture," said Rudy.

The reactivation of the 19,063 km Cibatu - Garut cross is carried out in accordance with the spatial plan and development plan (RT/RWN, RIPN 2030) and is supported by the Decree of the Minister of Transportation Number KM 50 of 2020 concerning Assignment to PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) for Implementation Public Railway Infrastructure Cross Cibatu – Garut. In addition, the reactivation of this route has been deemed necessary to operate to support the Garut Regency Tourism Strategic Area (KSPK) immediately. Therefore, when operating later, intermodal connectivity to and from Cibatu-Cikajang railway stations is one of the important things that will be considered to optimize tourism potential in the area.

At the end of his dialogue, Risal repeated the message from the Director General of Railways to all stakeholders and the community in Garut Regency and its surroundings to support the reactivation of this route. "We also hope that the community can be patient to wait until the entire series of trials can be completed because, after all, we want to ensure the safety aspects of the operation of this route later," he concluded. (RW/YSR/DA/WID/HJA)