"Let us hope that the public will be able to use the high-speed trains starting from early October of 2023," he remarked during a test ride activity at the Padalarang KCJB Station, West Bandung District, West Java, on Wednesday.
The head of state affirmed that the government will proceed with the plan on providing people with an opportunity to ride the trains, which can traverse across Jakarta and Bandung in only about 50 minutes, for free during the test ride period.
The head of state then expressed hope that the operation of the high-speed trains would help the government in the efforts to draw more people to switch to using means of mass transportation, including Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains, Mass Rapid Transit trains, and TransJakarta buses, which have been operational.
President Jokowi stated that the people can simply opt for public transport as their main means of transportation to contribute to the government's efforts in reducing air pollution and traffic congestion issues in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi (Jabodetabek) and Bandung regions.
"It should be noted that traffic congestion in Jabodetabek and Bandung have cost us more than Rp100 trillion (US$6.5 billion)," he remarked.
According to the president, the preparations and installations of facilities and infrastructures at KCJB stations have reached 92-percent completion, adding that the trains are ready to serve the public on the test ride.
The president began the test ride from Halim KCJB Station, the starting point to reach Padalarang Station. Halim Station itself has been integrated with the LRT system, thereby making KCJB more accessible for the people.
From Padalarang Station, the people will later be directed to Bandung Station by feeder trains.
Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Hadi Tjahjanto, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and West Java Acting Governor Bey Machmudin, among others, joined Jokowi in the test ride.
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Translator: Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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