"Several direct train routes that were well-received by the public continued to maintain the readiness of locomotives and train drivers," he remarked during a working meeting with Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Thursday.
The public has positively acknowledged the launch of the direct train service for the Jakarta-Semarang and Jakarta-Yogyakarta routes.
During the first three days of its trial, from December 24 to 26, 2204, the average occupancy rate reached 70 percent.
Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimukti Yudhoyono (AHY) assessed that the direct train could serve as an alternative mode of transportation during the holiday period.
Among the various modes of transportation available by land, sea, and air, AHY emphasized that train travel could be an alternative for the public, especially during the holiday period.
To this end, he expressed hope that transportation would improve in terms of service, security, safety, and punctuality.
AHY also invited all parties to synergize and collaborate to advance Indonesian railways.
Meanwhile, Purwagandhi expressed optimism that this non-stop train service can be an option for passengers traveling for work, tourism, or homecoming purposes.
The minister urged state-owned railway company PT KAI to continue delivering exceptional service to the public, focusing on safety, comfort, and punctuality.
During the trial of this service in December 2024, Purwagandhi stated that it also aims to broaden the public's transportation choices and decrease its reliance on private vehicles.
State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Tohir also noted that the introduction of direct trains is intended to improve services in keeping with the community's needs.
This direct train initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Transportation Ministry, SOEs Ministry, the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, PT KAI, and various related parties.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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