DAMRI Maintains Connectivity Across Kalimantan

Dozens of white bus fleets of various sizes, from minibuses to large buses for long-distance inter-regency and inter-provincial travel, filled the yard of the Perum DAMRI office on Jalan Trikora, Banjarbaru City. This location serves not only as a pool but also as a maintenance workshop for the state-owned enterprise’s fleet operating in public transport. An internal meeting was held that morning to discuss DAMRI’s performance in serving and maintaining connectivity across Kalimantan. “As a pioneer transport service, DAMRI is tasked with serving and connecting communities to various regions, including remote areas, coastal zones, and across regencies, with very affordable fares for the public,” said DAMRI Banjarmasin General Manager Andi Wahyu. Currently, the Trans Kalimantan land passenger transport service has reached all provinces in Kalimantan, from West Kalimantan to North Kalimantan. Routes served include Pontianak, Lamandau, Pangkalan Bun, Palangka Raya, Banjarmasin via Batulicin, then Balikpapan, Samarinda, Berau, and Tanjung Selor. Within South Kalimantan Province, DAMRI’s fleet still faithfully serves routes connecting all 13 regencies and cities, including routes passing through regional tourist attractions such as Loksado in Hulu Sungai Selatan. The service is considered quite popular with the public, especially for long-distance routes that are still less attractive to private operators. To provide convenience, bus ticket sales have also adopted an online system. “Although it must be acknowledged that there is still much to improve, especially as we face changing times and competition from private operators,” Wahyu said. Perum DAMRI Banjarmasin has at least 38 bus fleets of various types, including small, medium, and large types with a capacity of over 40 passengers. Unfortunately, most of these Hino and Mercedes-engined buses were manufactured in 2016, making them due for replacement. “In general, our fleet is still reliable due to good maintenance, but in terms of age, they are indeed ready to be renewed, along with the facilities to pamper passengers,” Wahyu said. Head of the South Kalimantan Provincial Transportation Agency, Fitri Hernadi, said there are still several areas that are not yet connected, making DAMRI’s presence very helpful. Transport is closely linked to a region’s economy, where an efficient transport system will reduce logistics costs and expand market reach. “This must also be supported by good road transport infrastructure,” Fitri said. Currently, the condition of the Trans Kalimantan road, which has national road status in South Kalimantan, is more than 95 per cent good, while provincial roads are around 90 per cent.