Bima did not deny that the investment would have an impact on the company's financial health, but this could be the first step to finding new business patterns.
"This is a breakthrough step, indeed, at first, it is unhealthy, but we will start with a new model, a new way. How can rail infrastructure also involve the operator of the train itself, which is KAI," Bima noted in a statement in Jakarta, Thursday.
PT KAI's involvement in the KCJB and LRT Jabodebek projects is the first time that the company has invested in the development of railway infrastructure.
Bima stated that if KAI is able to deliver performance in its new role, then it is highly likely that the company will support infrastructure projects in other areas, especially those related to assets owned by KAI.
"If it becomes a good role model, we will continue (to emulate) it in several infrastructures in other regions, especially, how to manage and increase KAI's assets, so that they can become a resource to strengthen its finances for investment," he stated.
Earlier, the Special Staff (Stafsus) of the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Arya Sinulingga revealed that BUMN continued to work to accelerate the completion of the high-speed train project, so that it could operate in the middle of this year.
He noted that the completion of the high-speed train would continue in accordance with the schedule.
Regarding the LRT, Sinulingga stated that the Jabodebek LRT train would be operated in mid-2023. The operation of the LRT train is likely to coincide with the operation of the Jakarta-Bandung fast train.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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