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New Semarang-Tegal train launched
Railway passengers in Central Java's northern coastal area can now ride in comfort thanks to the Kaligung Baru commuter train on the Semarang-Tegal line
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Railway passengers in Central Java's northern coastal area can now ride in comfort thanks to the Kaligung Baru commuter train on the Semarang-Tegal line.
SMOOTH RUNNING: Central Java Deputy Governor Rustriningsih pours water on the join between carriages of the Kaligung Baru commuter train at Poncol Train Station in Semarang on Friday. Rustriningsih was accompanying Transportation Minister Yusman Syafei Djamal (right) at the official launch of the train, which will run on the Semarang-Tegal line. (JP/Suherdjoko)
The train was officially launched by Transportation Minister Jusman Syafii Djamal at Poncol Station in Semarang on Friday. The minister was accompanied by Central Java deputy governor Rustriningsih.
The train has four carriages and is equipped with driver cabins on each end to expedite operation.
State railway operator PT Kereta Api (PT KA) president director Ronny Wahyudi said that data showed the Indonesian Self-powered Diesel Train (KRDI) Kaligung catered to 30,000 business-class and 33,000 economy-class passengers in 2007, adding that the number had increased to 38,000 business-class and 44,000 economy class passengers, or an increase of 29 percent and 47 percent respectively, by year's end.
"This indicates that passenger appeal is growing, especially when the distance of 148 kilometers between Semarang to Tegal can be crossed within two-and-a-half hours," Ronny said.
"That's faster than any other land transportation, on top of its punctual schedule."
The procurement of KRDI trains in Central Java cost Rp 59.4 billion (US$5.3 million) in the 2007 and 2008 state budgets.
PT KA launched the KRDI Banyubiru on Sept. 19 to serve the Semarang-Solo-Sragen line. The Transportation Ministry plans to launch the Semarang-Cepu-Bojonegoro line soon.
Minister Jusman said the KRDI Kaligung Baru would likely be extended to serve the Semarang-Tegal-Prupuk line.
"I'm told that around 10,000 business-class and the same number of economy-class passengers commute by the KRDI daily," Yusman said.
He said he believed a train community could be established by the frequent encounters between commuters, such as that on the KRDI Prambanan Express (Pramex), which serves the Yogyakarta-Surakarta line.
"Comfort and safety can be enhanced thanks to them caring for each other. They can remind others not to smoke on the train, as well as admonishing those riding free," Yusman said.
Rustriningsih proposed the Transportation Ministry also revive the Semarang-Borobudur line, which is occupied by dozens of squatters and an old station converted into a bus terminal.
"The aim of the KRDI trains is to support economic development. I also hope the trains operate according to schedule. In Germany, trains operate on time, failing which they would be in the media spotlight," Rustriningsih said.
The KRDI trains, produced by state-owned train maker PT INKA, are more comfortable than regular trains, thanks to the use of bolsterless boogies, or secondary air springs to absorb vertical and horizontal shocks and vibrations, thus enhancing comfort.
A KRDI train can carry 608 passengers: 130 passengers in each carriage with a driver's cabin and 174 in the other carriages. A business-class ticket for the Kaligung Baru costs Rp 25,000 and an economy-class ticket Rp 13,000.
