EduTrain KAI Opens Access to Railway Technology Knowledge for Orphanage Children
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has introduced the EduTrain programme, an educational journey that gives orphanage children the opportunity to learn more about developments in Indonesian railway technology. The programme serves as a platform for sharing knowledge through direct experience of using rail services and understanding modern transport systems from the perspectives of technology, operations and safety.
EduTrain is organised by KAI in collaboration with PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) to mark the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence and KAI’s 81st anniversary. The programme is designed in two batches of Jakarta–Bandung and Bandung–Jakarta journeys involving children from orphanages.
KAI Director of Finance and General Affairs Indarto Pamoengkas said EduTrain carries the spirit of sharing value through the knowledge and experience the company possesses with the younger generation.
“The technology owned by the company will provide broader value when the knowledge behind it can be shared. Through EduTrain, we want children to gain a learning experience that sparks curiosity and broadens their outlook on the future,” Indarto said.
KAI Vice President Corporate Communication Anne Purba said EduTrain is designed so that children can learn about railway technology through direct experience.
“We want to open access to knowledge through travel. Children can see how technology, services and safety work within the railway ecosystem,” Anne said.
Each EduTrain batch is attended by 90 participants consisting of 81 children and 9 chaperones from three orphanages. From each orphanage, the programme involves 27 children and three chaperones. This composition is arranged so that the learning and mentoring process during the journey is more focused.
The EduTrain series takes participants on the Feeder and Whoosh services, while introducing them to Indonesia’s modern railway services. During the activity, the children are introduced to Whoosh high-speed rail technology, travel operations and services, station facilities, and safety aspects.
The agenda also includes interactive on-board sessions, inspirational classes, sharing sessions with KAI and KCIC officials, educational games, and an introduction to station facilities. The material covered includes the roles of KAI and Whoosh, safety and ethics in public transport, and an introduction to the railway world for participants.
According to Anne, direct experience makes the learning process closer to children’s daily lives while opening space to ask questions and understand technology in a simpler way.
“When they see, try and ask directly, technology becomes easier to understand and can spark curiosity,” Anne said.
EduTrain is also aimed at fostering learning motivation, self-confidence and the courage to plan for the future. The experience of using railway services serves as an entry point to introduce various fields of knowledge and professions within the modern transport ecosystem.
Through the collaboration between KAI and KCIC, participants gain the opportunity to learn from the services, technology and human resources within the railway environment. The knowledge and experience held by the companies are shared with the younger generation so that technological developments can bring broader benefits to society.
“We want them to go home carrying experience, new knowledge and the courage to have broader aspirations,” Anne concluded.