"We have agreed that the operation of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (KCJB) will still be free until mid-October," Pandjaitan stated during the inauguration of the KCJB operation at Halim Station in Jakarta on Monday.
The minister explained that over the last three weeks since the opening of the free trial of KCJB for the public, the government has witnessed high levels of enthusiasm among members of the public.
"(The people) immediately can enjoy the benefits of KCJB. Of course, everything runs safely and comfortably because the system has been tested, and there is a high level of curiosity from the public," he stated.
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Pandjaitan also said the KCJB inauguration was a historical record signifying that Indonesia has successfully completed a modern railway project amid various challenges, such as land acquisition, coordination, and difficulties in funding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Honestly, since we received assignment from President Joko Widodo to continue construction for the KCJB project at the end of 2019, we faced many problems and obstacles," he revealed.
However, those challenges could be overcome due to sound cooperation between the central government, regional government, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), community, the private sector, as well as the Chinese government and all the companies involved.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus/Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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