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Luhut confirms Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed rail project will continue
Despite regulatory delays, National Economic Council head Luhut Pandjaitan said the Jakarta–Surabaya high-speed railway project is set to move forward.
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High-speed railway operator PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) disclosed on Monday that since its commercial launch, the average occupancy rate for each trip had soared to 98.5 percent with several trips completely sold out. (JP/Ruth Dea Juwita)
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ational Economic Council (DEN) chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the Jakarta–Surabaya high-speed railway (HSR) project will move forward.
Luhut said that the project was delayed because of incomplete regulations, particularly the lack of a presidential regulation (Perpres) to support it. Once the regulation is finalized, joint feasibility studies with China will begin.
"Earlier, we discussed it. The issue is actually on our side because we haven’t finished drafting the regulation yet. It’s that simple. But once it’s done, we’ll start talking about a joint study," Luhut said in Beijing on Thursday, as quoted by Antara news agency.
The Jakarta–Surabaya HSR project extension has already been listed in Transportation Ministerial Decree No. 296/2020 on the National Railway Master Plan.
Luhut has tasked Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Djiwandono with overseeing the creation of the Perpres.
"The Perpres must be issued soon because China is waiting. Once it’s approved, then the joint study, which will definitely be better than the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed train, can begin," he said.
Luhut admitted that the construction of the Jakarta–Bandung HSR had many shortcomings.
"We’re not trying to blame anyone, but we are learning from our mistakes because I was involved in it as well," Luhut said.
Previously, Coordinating Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said the government was still evaluating the Jakarta–Surabaya HSR.
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi added that the project must not burden the state budget. Various rail-based alternatives are being considered, including medium-speed trains. The final decision will be based on market demand and investment feasibility.
The government also plans to procure electric multiple unit (EMU) trainsets, with production to be carried out domestically by state-owned railway rolling stock maker PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA).
EMU trainsets could also be imported.
Meanwhile, Jakarta-Bandung HSR operator PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) is currently preparing a pre-feasibility study for the project.
Three route options are going to be studied, including southern, central and northern routes.
The goal is to reduce Jakarta–Surabaya travel time from 10 hours to 3.5 hours by train, with a more affordable fare than the Jakarta–Bandung HSR.
Luhut was the strongest backer of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR project, despite strong opposition from people warning that it would not be financially sustainable.
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