Swedish Consulate – Indonesia’s Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, recently highlighted the high-speed train Whoosh, which has become a topic of international discussion. This, he asserted, is proof of the successful development of Indonesia’s rail sector.
Minister Budi made this statement during the 44th ASEAN Railway CEOs’ Conference (ARCEOs’ Conference), where railway leaders from Southeast Asia gathered.
“We are aware that the Whoosh high-speed train is generating buzz not only domestically but also across Asia and even Europe. The international community is discussing the success of Whoosh, particularly its speed and reliability,” said Minister Budi Karya, according to a press release on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this momentum by fostering closer cooperation and relationships among stakeholders. He described the ARCEOs’ Conference as a significant event and a strategic opportunity to introduce innovations and advanced services in the rail sector.
“I appreciate PT KAI and the relevant stakeholders for organizing this event. I hope that this meeting will enhance collaboration between countries, ultimately leading to the creation of a more modern, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and service-oriented railway ecosystem,” he added.
In addition to showcasing Whoosh, which connects two different provinces, Minister Budi also highlighted the development of rail-based transportation in urban areas. This includes the construction of the Jabodebek Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Palembang LRT, as well as the latest development—the Autonomous Tram in the National Capital City (IKN), which has recently been tested. The government is also working to expand the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network to support the increasing mobility of the population.
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Ministry of Transportation Confident in Rising Passenger Numbers for Whoosh
Earlier, the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) reported a continuous increase in the number of passengers using the Whoosh high-speed train. Various strategies are said to be contributing to this growth, including the operation of the Karawang Station.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had previously summoned PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) to discuss the performance of the Whoosh train, with a focus on passenger numbers.
Risal Wasal, Director General of Railways at Kemenhub, noted a positive trend in Whoosh ridership, partly due to the implementation of dynamic pricing. Currently, the train sees approximately 24,000 passengers daily.
“Passenger numbers are steadily increasing. The dynamic pricing model has brought noticeable changes,” Risal said in Jakarta on July 27, 2024.
He explained that the dynamic pricing approach provides options for passengers, which has led to a rise in ridership since its introduction.
“The dynamic pricing model has proven effective in influencing public demand for the train,” he added.
Risal also mention that the opening of the Karawang High-Speed Train Station is expect to further boost passenger numbers. The station is project to open in 2025, pending the completion of access roads from the Karawang toll road.
“Yes, it should increase passenger numbers,” Risal confirmed.
In terms of overall performance, Risal viewed the benefits for KCIC not only from ticket sales but also from non-core businesses, such as culinary galleries and transit-oriented development (TOD) plans.
“There will also be revenue from non-core businesses. We aim to generate income not only from ticket sales but also from non-core ventures. We are working towards TOD and other opportunities,” Risal stated.
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