"The Sriwijaya Train, with a stainless-steel body, is an innovation of PT KAI in a bid to enhance the quality of trains in Indonesia," Sulthon Hasanudin, head of KAI's Divre IV Tanjungkarang, remarked in Bandarlampung on Sunday (May 26).
The new trains have begun to operate on May 26, or 10 days prior to Idul Fitri, when most Muslims in Indonesia embark on a homecoming journey, or "mudik."
The new Sriwijaya Train has two executive-class wagons, seven economy premium class wagons, a dining car, and a generator wagon, with a total seating capacity of 660.
"On the whole, as it is new, the train is more comfortable than the old series," Hasanudin explained.
The train's exterior and interior design bears similarity to the old one, apart from its paint, lively patterns, door paint, toilet and train set configuration.
The latest facilities of this stainless steel train are visible in every passenger seat, where a footrest and folding table is available along with a placemat, drink holder, and hanger.
Every train seat is equipped with audio jacks, thereby enabling a passenger to listen and enjoy shows currently showcased on the television unit on each train.
Moreover, every train has four television sets, each with two large televisions on each end of the train and two medium-sized ones placed in the middle of the train.
While changes in toilet design are generally found on each end of the train, but on the Sriwijaya new train, the toilet is placed only at one end, with a choice of two types, including the squat toilet, and come equipped with mirrors, washbasins, showers, flushing buttons, glass vents, exhaust fans, and lights.
Each wagon of the train also comes equipped with CCTV that monitors every passenger's activity on the train.
With the new stainless steel body and facilities, PT KAI has not hiked the ticket prices.
Economy-class passengers are required to pay Rp185 thousand to Rp220 thousand, while executive-class passengers must pay Rp195 thousand to Rp240 thousand from Tanjungkarang Station in Lampung to Kertapati Station in Palembang.
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Translator: Hisar Sitanggang/Emir Fajar Sa
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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