President Jokowi: Fast Train Marks Modernization of Mass Transportation in Indonesia

President Jokowi inaugurates the operation of Jakarta-Bandung ‘Whoosh’ Fast Train (KCJB), at Halim KCJB Station, East Jakarta, Monday (10/02) morning. (Photo by: Secretariat Cabinet’s Public Relations/Rahmat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said that the operational inauguration of the Jakarta-Bandung fast train (KCJB), named Whoosh, marked a milestone in the modernization of mass transportation in the country.

“The Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train marks the modernization of our mass transportation which is efficient, environmentally friendly, and integrated with other modes of transportation, as well as integrated with TOD (transit oriented development),” said the President at the Operational Inauguration of KCJB, at Halim KCJB Station, Jakarta, Monday (10/02).

Like mass rapid transit (MRT) and light rapid transit (LRT), fast train is still new for Indonesia, in terms of technology, speed and construction, as well as financing models. However, the President emphasized that Indonesians should not be afraid of adopting and studying modern transportation technology for the nation’s advancement.

“In this process, unexpected things can arise, as well as difficulties in the practice, problems, and imperfections. Experience is priceless but very valuable. And, we should not be afraid, because if we are consistent, we will make fewer mistakes, the costs of mistakes will also decrease, and ultimately, production costs and project costs will also be lower over time,” he said.

The President went on to say that the courage to try new things and provide opportunities for the nation’s children to learn will be very useful for developing human resources (HR) for an increasingly advanced and independent Indonesia.

“I advise all of us not to be allergic to criticism and to remain enthusiastic about learning. Because our experience in building infrastructure, including toll roads, ports, airports, dams, transportation, has shaped us and has given us the provisions to produce better results in the future,” he stressed. (DND/UN) (TM/MUR)