Ministry Creates Blueprint for Jakarta-Surabaya Fast Train Project
- AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim
Jakarta – The Indonesian Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi revealed that the Jakarta-Surabaya Fast Train project has been included in his ministry's blueprint as instructed by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
"What we will do is to build the project upon the foundations laid in the previous fast train project," Minister Sumadi said, referring to the recently operational Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train.
With the success of the train's operation, his ministry is confident in designing the upcoming, more efficient fast train project with certain variables, the Minister continued.
Kereta Cepat Jakarta-Bandung (KCJB) Whoosh diresmikan Presiden Jokowi
- Dok KCJB
"(With the high-speed train), Jakarta to Surabaya can be traveled in 3.5 hours, down from the previous 11 hours by train,"
The distance between Jakarta and Surabaya in East Java is more than 700 kilometers.
One of the variables is related to cost, which will determine the routes taken by the fast train.
"People's purchasing power will also be a consideration," the Minister informed.
Minister Sumadi stated that the Jakarta-Surabaya fast train project will be a joint effort between the government and the private sector.
Menhub Budi Karya Sumadi.
- Dokumentasi Kemenhub.
"Cities served by the fast train will experience economic benefits. The costs incurred to develop the fast train will be offset by the economic revival in many cities, such as Purwokerto, Cirebon, Yogyakarta, Solo, and Surabaya," Minister Sumadi explained.
Meanwhile, Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi mentioned that his administration fully supports the planned project, as Jakarta and Surabaya are the business centers in the country.
If the railway project is realized, people will have more transportation options, Cahyadi remarked.
