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Jakarta trains will operate as usual despite COVID-19 concerns: PT KAI
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Operational Region (Daop) 1 Jakarta spokesperson Eva Chairunisa said that while PT KAI would not reduce services, it would still take measures to prevent coronavirus infection on its trains.
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Officers spray disinfectant at Gambir train station, Jakarta, on Thursday. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
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tate-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has said that trains in Jakarta will continue according to schedule despite the government's call for the public to implement “social distancing” to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
"In Operational Region [Daop] 1 Jakarta, all long-distance trains from Gambir and Pasar Senen stations will depart on schedule,” KAI Daop 1 Jakarta spokesperson Eva Chairunisa said in a written statement on Monday. “This also applies to local trains like KA Jatiluhur, KA Walahar, KA Lokal Merak, KA Pangrango, KA Siliwangi. All trains will operate as usual.”
She said that while PT KAI would not reduce its services, it would still carry out measures to try and prevent coronavirus infection on the trains.
"We provide hand sanitizer in our stations and on our trains, and we have also deployed personnel to check passengers’ temperatures at the stations. Those who have a temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius will not be allowed to board the trains, and their tickets will be fully refunded in cash," she said.
The company, she said, would also disinfect the interiors and exteriors of all its trains.
"In Daop 1 Jakarta, we wash the trains for long distance trips in Pasar Senen station and Tanah Abang station. Local trains are cleaned in Sukabumi, Cikampek, Tanjung Priok, Merak and Rangkasbitung stations," Eva said.
She explained that during the cleaning process, officials would sweep and dust the floors and ceilings of the train before spraying them with disinfectant. They would also clean the toilet and wash the train’s exterior with water and soap.
"We also make sure all the pillows and pillowcases on the trains are washed and cleaned thoroughly after each trip," she said.
As of the time of writing, Indonesia has reported 134 cases of COVID-19, resulting in five deaths. Cases are spread throughout the country, including in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, West Java, Central Java, Banten, Bali, North Sulawesi and West Kalimantan.
