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KOMPAS. com – To support the occupation or passenger occupation of Jakarta Bandung Fast Train (KCJB) to be operated in June 2023, there was a talk to inject regular trains Argo Parahyangan.
Leaving aside toll roads and public transportation like bus and travel, it could be said that Argo Parahyangan train is KCJB’s fiercest competitor for passengers traveling from Jakarta to Bandung and vice versa.
Although the journey time is longer, the Argo Parahyangan train has a number of advantages, such as the location of the station which is in the center of the city and is easy to reach. Ticket prices are much cheaper.
Which is a dilemma, Jakarta Bandung Fast Train furthermore its shares are owned by PT KAI (Persero) through PT Kereta Api Indonesia China (KCIC). KAI’s entry into KCIC was made after the government asked him to become lead consortium.
Read also: The cost of high-speed trains increases because China’s calculations are wrong
Apart from Argo Parahyangan train, KAI also operates other economy class trains with routes crossing Bandung-Jakarta as well, namely Serayu train (Purwokerto connection), Cikuray train (Garut connection), Pangandaran train (Banjar connection).
Answer KAI
In response to this speech, KAI Public Relations Vice President Joni Martinus said that he did not explicitly answer whether the preferred train for Bandung-Jakarta residents would be suppressed at the same time as the Jakarta-Bandung fast train operation.
Joni pointed out that regarding the decision whether Argo Parahyangan would be removed, his party has fully submitted it to the government as a shareholder of KAI.
“If the government decides this way later, KAI as an operator will obviously comply with government policies and regulations. KAI is committed to continuing to provide the best service to the community,” Joni said when contacted kompas.com quoted on Friday (1/12/2022).
Read also: This is the way to make Jakarta-Bandung fast train not abandoned by passengers
Joni confirmed that, until now, the Argo Parahyangan Jakarta-Bandung train is still operating as usual.
He also said that KAI remains focused on providing Jakarta-Bandung fast train service along with feeder train from Padalarang station to Bandung station. After that, passengers on the high-speed train bound for Bandung city can change stations and change trains to continue their journey.
“The Feeder Train is obviously for Fast Train customers who want to continue their journeys in various other areas,” he said.
Response from the Ministry of Transport
Although contacted separately, Transport Ministry (Kemenhub) spokeswoman Adita Irawati did not provide confirmation that the Argo Parahyangan train would be disabled.
As per KAI’s response, the Ministry of Transport’s response regarding the Argo Parahyangan removal speech is also still pending.
Read also: Jonan said Jakarta-Bandung is too short for fast trains
Up to now, his party and related stakeholders are still focused on accelerating the completion of the construction of the Jakarta Bandung Fast Train Project.
“Currently, we are still focused on ensuring that the Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train project is completed according to target,” said Adita.
As for the operation of the Argo Parahyangan train, Adita continued, it is still under discussion with everyone stakeholders.
“Of course the results will be disseminated to the community,” he said.
Threat of abandoned passengers
The head of Advocacy and Community Services for the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI), Djoko Setijowarno, said that to attract passengers, KCJB needs to be integrated with public transport reaching the settlements.
Read also: Fast train Jakarta-Bandung seeking additional IDR 16 trillion in debt to China
“The Karawang Regency Government, Bandung Regency Government and Bandung City Government need to prepare public transportation facilities from residential and residential areas to the station,” Djoko said in his statement.
With the location of KCJB being relatively far out on the outskirts of Bandung city, it is difficult to reach the intended target passengers without easy access to transportation facilities.
“Accessibility and continuation of the journey to nearby homes and settlements will be the key to the success of fast train passengers,” Djoko explained.
According to him, Bandung City was assisted by the Ministry of Transportation in operating 5 Trans Metro Pasundan bus corridors with a service purchase program.
“Starting in 2023, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network will be built in the city of Bandung with the assistance of the Ministry of Transport and the World Bank,” Djoko said.
Read also: Jokowi’s abstinence from retreating on the fast train, even if it has to add debt to China
(Author: Ade Miranti Karunia, Haryanti Puspa Sari | Editor: Ahdi Martin Pertama)
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