Jakarta (ANTARA) - State railway firm PT KAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) to support the safe operation of the Greater Jakarta Light Rail Transit (LRT Jabodebek).

The MoU was inked by KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo, and Basarnas head Vice Marshal Henri Alfiandi, here on Wednesday.

Hartantyo said, before the launching operation of LRT Jabodebek on August 17, 2022, that safety is crucial, and that is why his party cooperates with Basarnas.

"This cooperation with Basarnas is not only for preventive efforts, but also for when contingency action is needed. This LRT Jabodebek is operated all above (ground) or elevated, so we must maintain the level of safety more than that of the usual trains," Hartantyo explained.

He pointed out that the MoU signing aimed to improve coordination, harmony, and mutual support for each task, function, and authority in handling emergency conditions.

Related news: PT KAI guarantees safety of LRT Jabodebek before its launch

Furthermore, Hartantyo said, the MoU encompasses cooperation in the field of sharing data and information, handling emergency conditions and accidents in railways through search and rescue activities, exercises, resource utilization, and increasing the capacity of human resources.

KAI and Basarnas are committed to supporting and succeeding the LRT Jabodebek operations, in terms of anticipation and handling emergency events, he affirmed.

Currently, he said, the progress of the light rail transit has reached 82.7 percent.

On the same occasion, Vice Marshal Alfiandi commented that the first possible access to reach the location during emergencies is via air, which can be reached by helicopter.

"With the addition of helicopter fleets, Basarnas will be better prepared to provide SAR services in case of emergency incidents on the LRT Jabodebek train lines," he said.

Related news: KAI readies train attendants to assist Jabodebek LRT train operations
Related news: Minister confirms Jabodetabek LRT soft launch on August 17

Translator: Adimas P, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022