Indonesian parliament member Bambang Haryo Sukartono called on the national railway company (PT Kereta Api Indonesia) to increase its capacity for transporting goods during his visit to the Gambir station in Jakarta. He noted that the current logistics transport capacity via railways is approximately 200,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), while the government aims to reach one million TEUs.
Sukartono emphasized that enhancing logistics transport capacity is vital for supporting economic growth, as the Indonesian government, under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, strives to achieve a growth rate of 8%. He explained that improving logistics transport will contribute to boosting industrial activities in the country.
Event Details
During his visit, Sukartono highlighted the importance of increasing the use of railways for cargo transport, as this would help reduce the number of large trucks on the roads. He clarified that decreasing the number of trucks on the roads would enhance the safety of drivers and pedestrians, making the roads safer and more comfortable.
He also stressed the necessity for the railway company to provide all the required infrastructure for cargo transport at each station, including the establishment of dedicated warehouses for container transport. He pointed out the importance of expanding access to stations to facilitate logistics movement.
Background & Context
Railways in Indonesia are considered one of the essential modes of transport and have seen significant development in recent years. However, there remains an urgent need to improve their capacity for cargo transport to meet the increasing demand from the industrial sector. The Indonesian government is working diligently to achieve its economic goals by enhancing transport infrastructure.
Historically, Indonesia has heavily relied on roads for cargo transport, leading to traffic congestion and safety issues. However, investing in railways could represent an effective solution to these challenges.
Impact & Consequences
If these plans are successfully implemented, it will lead to improved logistics transport efficiency in Indonesia, contributing to the enhancement of the national economy. Additionally, reducing truck traffic on the roads will decrease traffic accidents, thereby improving public safety.
Moreover, enhancing railway capacity will help attract more foreign and domestic investments, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Regional Significance
Indonesia's experience in enhancing logistics transport via railways serves as a model that Arab countries can benefit from. Many Arab nations face similar challenges in transport, and similar improvements could contribute to economic growth.
In light of global trends toward improving transport methods, cooperation between Arab countries and Indonesia in this field could open new avenues for sustainable development.