While India celebrates Srikandi, Indonesia is honored to have a young woman named Aura Rahmi Ramadana, who has tamed the “iron snake,” the electric train of the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system that operates across Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, and Bekasi (Jabodebek) regions.
Aura's awareness of the myriad challenges she braved in a male-dominated domain of work did not discourage her from chasing her dream of becoming a reliable train driver.
“In my view, being a train driver is not merely a matter of career. I see this profession as a means to serve the people, as something that means a lot in my life,” Aura said while elucidating on the true meaning of her cherished profession.
Aura’s success in mastering the train is inseparable from the astute decision made by state-run railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) to offer talented Indonesian women the opportunity to pursue a career as train drivers, competing alongside men.
Let us delve deeper into the world of railways as Aura shares insights from her inspiring journey to becoming a train driver.
A long journey
Born in the Ogan Komering Ulu District of South Sumatra Province, Aura acknowledged that the journey to secure her position as a train master involved a lengthy process, starting from administrative selections to medical tests, psychological assessments, and interviews.
Achieving the dream of becoming a part of PT KAI was not the end of the line for Aura, as she had to undergo intensive, rigorous preparatory activities afterwards. They encompassed theoretical courses, practical training, and simulations of train operations.
The young train driver had the privilege of honing her capacity at the Railway Training Center in Bekasi, West Java, the Jabodebek LRT, and an LRT system operating in her home province of South Sumatra.
It is worth noting that the series of activities involved a training program in the neighboring country of Malaysia, where Aura further refined her skills and talents at the state-run company Prasarana Malaysia Berhad.
The lengthy process that demanded hard work and dedication eventually brought Aura to become a certified automated railway facility crew member. The hard-fought certificate is effective from 2023 to 2027.
“I was inducted as a junior train driver following my certification,” she remarked.
Thanks to the varied training programs, Aura now wields the capability of operating the Jabodebek LRT train, comprehensively fathoms safety measures and the handling of an emergency situation, and fully comprehends the standards set for public transportation.
Aura not only managed to turn her dream into reality but also gained access to a wide array of facilities offered by PT KAI for its valued employees, including a competitive salary, healthcare benefit allowance, insurance, and some other welfare programs.
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The inspiring train driver expressed that she views the extensive benefits she receives as a manifestation of appreciation for the significant responsibility she carries while operating the train.
Aura is currently tasked with operating an automated, driverless Jabodebek LRT. Nevertheless, being trusted with an autonomous train system comes with the significant duty of ensuring the proper operations of the train and the safety of passengers.
Serving the nation
Having fulfilled her dream of operating trains, Aura has set her sights on a new goal: driving an overhaul in Indonesia’s public transportation system by gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the cutting-edge technologies behind driverless trains.
The inspiring 26-year-old woman expressed her commitment to further leveling up her professional skills and capabilities to contribute to improving the efficiency and safety of train operations in the country.
Moreover, Aura expressed her care for young Indonesian talents and her keenness to share her plentiful experiences and priceless knowledge with others, especially fellow women, to encourage them to consider a career in public transport.
She urged women not to be hesitant to dream big. She emphasized that women deserve the opportunity to pursue and realize even the most unconventional dreams, which are often associated with men.
Reflecting on what she has achieved so far, Aura said she believes her success is the fruit of her undeterred self-confidence, willingness to learn, and commitment to presenting her finest to the nation and the country.
She genuinely takes pride in her cherished profession, which has enabled her to facilitate the lives of countless people, helping them reach workplaces and educational institutions and connect with their families, essentially enabling them to fulfill their personal and professional commitments.
“Through my work, I can make direct contributions to the community,” she affirmed.
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Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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