President Prabowo Subianto Inaugurates Tanah Abang Baru Station, Commit to Expanding Railway Network

President Prabowo Subianto visits public transport service to become Jakarta mobility center at Manggarai Station on Tuesday (4/11). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Tuesday (4/11) has emphasized that the national railway system improvement will be one of the top priorities of his Government.

The President delivered this statement during the inauguration of Tanah Abang Baru Station in Central Jakarta.

“Indeed, the railway system improvement will be the Government’s focus,” he said.

The Head of State also noted that although the key priority for his first year is national food security, the public transportation remains the main focus as part of fairer economic development.

According to him, mass transportation, particularly railway, has direct impact to middle- and low-income people.

“Railway system is one of ways to help people, particularly those middle- and low-income. While the rich can afford for airfare ticket, most people will benefit from railway service,” he said.

On that occasion, the President approved the procurement of the 30 new railways for Jabodetabek (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi – the Greater Jakarta) commuter with total investment of Rp5 trillion. This marked the Government’s concrete commitment to the public transportation service that is safe, convenient, and affordable.

“When it comes to the people’s interest, I will not hesitate. We must be frugal, but the people’s interest is above all else and I asked this to be completed immediately,” he added.

In addition to strengthening urban transportation service, President Prabowo Subianto has also instructed to expand railway system service to various regions, including Sumatera, Kalimantan, Java, and Sulawesi.

This is to reduce logistics costs and enhance national economic competitiveness.

“So, I asked Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure to properly plan Trans Sumatera Railway, Trans Kalimantan Railway, and Trans Sulawesi Railway,” he said.

The President also delivered called on all parties to maintain the public transport safe and secure.

“The rail tracks must be kept safe and secure. The crossing gate must be built immediately. There must be no more accident,” he concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/EP)