Jakarta –
The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) conveyed the fate of the Jakarta-Surabaya fast train in the era of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Currently, a new fast train connects Jakarta to Bandung.
Deputy Minister of Transportation (Wamenhub) Suntana said that his party was still reviewing the project’s feasibility study. He also emphasized that the continuation of the project still requires evaluation.
“We are still studying it. We are still studying it. In principle, if it makes transportation easier and makes transportation cheap and comfortable, why not. But everything can’t be done all at once, we have to evaluate it,” said Suntana when met at Monas, Central Jakarta , Thursday (14/11/2024).
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Regarding Prabowo’s direction that he does not want a lighthouse project or a large budget, Suntana explained that the sustainability of the project depends on the results of the feasibility study. Whether in the future the spread of projects will burden the state budget or not. However, he emphasized the government’s commitment to carrying out projects based on the interests of the community.
“Every project has a feasibility study, there is a DED, we will see. This will burden the state budget, we will look at the feasibility study. But everything is for the benefit of the community, the convenience of the government, the government is definitely committed to implementing it,” he explained.
Previously, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono also spoke about the fate of the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train. So far, AHY has said that the project will still be studied in more detail in the new government.
On the other hand, AHY emphasized that the Jakarta-Surabaya fast train project will certainly be a game changer, aka a new breakthrough.
“In my opinion, we will continue to study this and I will study it in more detail. But at least I see this as important, this is something that will be a game changer if it can be realized,” said AHY at the Ministry of Transportation Office.
For your information, earlier this year PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC) reported that it was working on plans for further construction of a fast train to Surabaya. KCIC is the operator of the Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train whose construction is in collaboration with China.
KCIC Main Director Dwiyana Slamet Riyadi said that his party had a big opportunity to build a continuation of the high-speed train in stages, starting from connecting the line to Yogyakarta first.
According to him, the fast train which was built first to Yogyakarta is part of phase I development. The time and cost of building the fast train are the main considerations.
“There is a possibility of that (getting to Yogyakarta first), right? If you get to Surabaya it’s a matter of time and money, why not Yogya?” said the man who is familiarly called Edo in the Special Committee B Meeting Room, DPR RI Building, Central Jakarta last Thursday (25/1/2024).
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Jakarta-Surabaya Fast Train Project Update: A Comedy of Errors or Hope for the Future?
Well, folks, it seems we’re on the slippery slope of fast trains again! Or are we? The Ministry of Transportation of Indonesia, in its infinite wisdom, has decided that the future of the Jakarta-Surabaya fast train is still up for discussion. Yes, you heard it right. We’re talking about a train that’s meant to revolutionize travel, but at this point, it feels more like a bureaucratic soap opera!
Waiting for Feasibility: Who Knew Trains Needed Therapy?
According to Deputy Minister Suntana, they are “still studying” the project. It sounds more like a group of scientists trying to figure out if a dinosaur can emerge from a giant egg! They’ve got their feasibility studies out on the table like it’s a game of Monopoly – roll the dice and see what happens. After all, if we can’t trust our government to tell us when our train will arrive, who can we trust?
“In principle, if it makes transportation easier and makes transportation cheap and comfortable, why not?” said Suntana. And I can’t help but ask: why NOT, indeed? Meanwhile, the train from Jakarta to Bandung is kicking the fast train’s butt on the popularity scale while the rest of us continue to stand in line at the bus station, questioning our life choices.
The Lighthouse or the Train Station? A New Prabowo Project?
Now, let’s talk about President Prabowo Subianto’s vision. Apparently, he’s not interested in “lighthouse projects.” What are these, you ask? Well, they’re grand structures meant to signal hope and prosperity, yet often end up being nothing but a beacon to guide ships onto the rocks. Prabowo wants to ensure that every project reflects a positive ROI, and who can blame him? After all, we can’t all be like that one friend who splurges on a yacht and then begs for a loan to buy dinner.
With Prabowo at the helm, every penny counts. Why scream about the state budget when we can just flip a coin and hope for the best? And while contributions to the state budget are being evaluated, Suntana assures us that every project is for the *benefit of the community*. Can someone please find that community and give them a name? I’d love to know who’s benefiting from this rollercoaster of a government proposal!
AHY: The Game Changer or the Game Wrecker?
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (let’s call him AHY because that’s a mouthful), puts his two cents in, claiming the project will be a *game changer* if it ever sees the light of day. I’m all for optimism, but I can’t help but feel like we’re in a lukewarm match of musical chairs. When the music stops, will anyone get a seat on the fast train? Or will we just end up at the station with a bag of chips and a tear in our eye as we watch the bus pull away?
Let’s Connect Yogyakarta First – Because Why Not?
And just when you thought we were done, KCIC (the train operator) pops up with their grand vision of connecting the train to Yogyakarta first, rather than straight to Surabaya. I mean, why aim for the finish line when you can take a scenic detour? Who doesn’t love a good detour? It’s like the train is excited to explore the countryside first before finally committing to the larger route. Imagine explaining that to the commuters: “Sorry folks, we’ll get you to Surabaya, but first, we’re doing brunch in Yogyakarta.”
Final Thoughts: The Light at the End of the Tunnel?
So here we are, people. The Jakarta-Surabaya fast train may be the epitome of progress on paper, but in practice, it’s like watching a toddler learn to walk — wobbly and often taking the long way around. All we can do is sit and watch this unfolding story, hoping that one day we’ll be able to ride a train that actually goes somewhere, other than the front page of a very perplexing ministry report.
Until then, keep your bags packed, your snacks handy, and maybe consider an old-fashioned road trip! At least you won’t have to question where your train has disappeared off to!
Jakarta –
The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has provided insights into the future of the much-anticipated Jakarta-Surabaya fast train amidst President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Currently, a new fast train connects Jakarta to Bandung, showcasing the government’s commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure.
Deputy Minister of Transportation (Wamenhub) Suntana reiterated that a stringent review of the project’s feasibility study is ongoing. He highlighted that while the continuation of the high-speed train project is on the table, it requires thorough evaluation to ensure it aligns with governmental and public interests.
In a statement made during an event at Monas, Central Jakarta on Thursday (14/11/2024), Suntana said, “We are still studying it. In principle, if it makes transportation easier and makes transportation cheap and comfortable, why not. But everything can’t be done all at once; we have to evaluate it.” This emphasizes the careful consideration being afforded to the project.
Addressing the concerns regarding President Prabowo’s desire to avoid grand-scale projects that demand large budgets, Suntana explained that the project’s sustainability would be dependent on the findings of the feasibility study. “We will see. This will burden the state budget; we will look at the feasibility study. But everything is for the benefit of the community and the convenience of the government,” he stated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to transparency and public welfare.
Previously, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, spoke on the future of the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train, indicating that the new government would conduct a more in-depth analysis of the project. He emphasized that this project could potentially revolutionize public transportation.
“In my opinion, we will continue to study this and I will study it in more detail. But at least I see this as important; this is something that will be a game changer if it can be realized,” said AHY during his address at the Ministry of Transportation Office, signifying the significance of this initiative.
Earlier this year, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC) reported its plans for the construction of the fast train extension to Surabaya. KCIC, which operates the Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train in collaboration with China, is keen on advancing the transportation network.
KCIC Main Director Dwiyana Slamet Riyadi expressed optimism about the potential for phased construction of the high-speed train. “We have a big opportunity to build a continuation starting from connecting the line to Yogyakarta first,” he noted, recognizing this as an essential step in the overarching project.
According to him, prioritizing the fast train’s extension to Yogyakarta represents the first phase of development, with the considerations of time and cost being paramount factors driving the decision-making process. “There is a possibility of that (getting to Yogyakarta first), right? If you get to Surabaya it’s a matter of time and money, why not Yogya?” said the man, affectionately known as Edo, during the Special Committee B Meeting Room at the DPR RI Building in Central Jakarta last Thursday (25/1/2024).
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Ortant; this is something that will be a game changer if it can be realized,” said AHY, highlighting the project’s potential impact on the nation’s transportation landscape.
In the meantime, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), which is spearheading the project along with Chinese investment, is focusing on further development stages, including a potential line extension to Yogyakarta before reaching Surabaya. This phased approach may optimize time and resources, as indicated by KCIC’s Main Director, Dwiyana Slamet Riyadi. “There is a possibility of that (connecting to Yogyakarta first); if you get to Surabaya it’s a matter of time and money, why not prioritize Yogyakarta?” he remarked during discussions at the DPR RI Building.
As we delve into all these developments concerning the Jakarta-Surabaya fast train, one can only ponder the myriad decisions and adjustments that lie ahead. While optimism fuels discussions, the reality remains that a solid plan, verified studies, and clear timelines are crucial for this venture to transform from mere brainstorming to actual train rides.
Conclusion: Riding the Waves of Hope and Doubt
At present, the Jakarta-Surabaya fast train project stands as a symbol of both ambition and uncertainty. With contradictory messages swirling and numerous layers of analysis and deliberation ahead, the journey of this project may very well mirror the complexity of navigating Indonesia’s intricate transportation challenges. As commuters and citizens, we remain hopeful for a tangible outcome amidst the ongoing studies and evaluations. Until then, we can only keep our fingers crossed and stay tuned for the next update in this intriguing saga of the travel revolution!
