Banyuwangi Dragon Fruit Now Transported by Train to Jakarta
PT KAI Logistik began testing train operations to transport agricultural produce from Banyuwangi, East Java, to Jakarta on Monday. This new service provides an alternative distribution route for agricultural and livestock commodities from the production centre at the eastern tip of Java to the Jakarta market by utilising the railway network.
On the maiden voyage, the transported commodities were dominated by dragon fruit from Banyuwangi. The region is well-known as a major production hub for dragon fruit, and the introduction of this new transport mode is expected to expand distribution options for local agricultural commodities.
“Therefore, in this first shipment by KAI Logistik, the cargo is dominated by dragon fruit products from Banyuwangi,” said the Director of Operations of KAI Logistik, Broer Rizal, in a statement in Banyuwangi on Monday.
The subsidiary of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) is using the Argopuro route from Banyuwangi with the final destination at Jakarta Warehouse. This route is designed not only to transport agricultural products but also livestock commodities from East Java and surrounding areas to Jakarta.
One of the commodities planned for this transport service is cattle. However, the plan to transport cattle could not be realised during the maiden voyage due to constraints in the Ketapulating-Gilimanuk ferry crossing process.
This situation caused delays in the arrival of cattle originating from Sumbawa and Bali to Banyuwangi. Consequently, KAI Logistik proceeded with the trial by relying on available agricultural commodities.
The development of this service is part of an effort by KAI Logistik, alongside PT KAI and its partners, to strengthen the rail-based distribution system. The rail mode is expected to serve as an additional option in connecting production areas with target markets, particularly for agricultural and livestock commodities.
“The hope is that the utilisation of the railway mode can provide a more integrated distribution alternative, while simultaneously supporting national supply chain efficiency,” said Rizal.
Avoiding Empty Return Trains
KAI Logistik is not only preparing goods transport from Banyuwangi to Jakarta. The company is also designing return cargo from Jakarta to Banyuwangi so that the train journeys can be utilised to transport goods in both directions.
This scheme is a vital part of optimising freight services. With return cargo, trains that have delivered agricultural and livestock products to Jakarta will have the opportunity to carry production necessities or other commodities when returning to East Java.
“We are working with PT Bogantara as a cargo consolidator. In addition to shipments from Banyuwangi to Jakarta, we are also preparing a return cargo scheme from Jakarta to Banyuwangi,” said Rizal.
A number of commodities have been identified as potential cargo from Jakarta to Banyuwangi, including animal feed, fertiliser, rice bran, and various other logistical needs.
This two-way scheme has the potential to form a complementary distribution chain. From Banyuwangi, the train carries agricultural and livestock products to the Jakarta market, while the return journey can be utilised to supply production needs and logistics to the Banyuwangi region.