"By becoming the host, Indonesia can showcase its achievements and potential in railway development and increase international collaboration between countries,"
Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is ready to make the 44th ASEAN Railway CEOs’ Conference (ARCEOs’ Conference) to be held in Bandung, Indonesia, on September 2-5, 2024, a success.

KAI Commercial Director Hadis Surya Palapa, as Chair of the Organizing Committee for the ARCEOs' Conference, stated that the event will be a platform to share best practices in terms of operations and maintenance, digital transformation, and commercial railways.

He also remarked that the delegates will have the opportunity to take a trial ride of the first High-Speed Train in ASEAN Whoosh, Light Rail Transit (LRT), and Panoramic Train.

"With the operation of Whoosh, the first high-speed train in ASEAN, as well as other innovative trains, it is hoped that KAI can become a benchmark for railway operators in the ASEAN region," Palapa stated at a press conference in Jakarta, Wednesday.

He remarked that the event will be attended by eight train operators across Southeast Asia, namely Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malaysia), Vietnam Railways (Vietnam), Ministry of Public Works and Transport (Cambodia).

In addition, the other attendees would comprise representatives from the Lao National Railways (Laos), Philippine National Railways (the Philippines), Myanma Railways (Myanmar), State Railway of Thailand (Thailand), and KAI from Indonesia.

He affirmed that the event carries the theme of "Driving Sustainability with Digital Innovation." This year's ARCEOs' Conference will focus on discussing the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly railways, supported by digital transformation in terms of safety and service.

Palapa remarked that ARCEOs' Conference aims to align perceptions regarding trains as a symbol of transportation that unites eight countries to develop together.

"We hope that this conference can discuss how to realize train management as a solution for a rapidly growing transportation ecosystem, paying attention to the SDGs aspect, and developing digitalization to meet customer needs," Palapa remarked.

He said that the series of events for the 44th ARCEOs' Conference included CEOs Meeting, Technical, Marketing and Operation; Sharing sessions with experts; social tree planting activities; and introducing Bandung as a tourist city connected to KAI.

"Importantly, this event is a momentum to introduce Indonesian culture and invite delegates to support environmental programs by planting trees at Halim Station," he noted.

In addition, to further support the implementation of environmental sustainability and digital innovation, KAI will deploy a fleet of electric vehicles during the ARCEOs' Conference, provide environmentally friendly souvenirs, and use applications as information platforms during the event.

Palapa added that KAI has made meticulous preparations for the event, including conducting courtesy visits to all participating countries.

He explained that ARCEOs' Conference is important, as it will involve experts and practitioners from various countries.

"By becoming the host, Indonesia can showcase its achievements and potential in railway development and increase international collaboration between countries," Palapa remarked.
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Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Arie Novarina
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