KAI Daop 2 Bandung Celebrates Independence Day with 80-Tonne Locomotive Pulling Contest
The celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day within PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Daop 2 Bandung took a different form this year. While the general public typically marks the occasion with tug-of-war contests, this state-owned enterprise organised a competition to pull an 80-tonne locomotive.
Head of KAI Daop 2 Bandung, Hendra Wahyono, explained that two CC 206 locomotives were prepared for the contest. Each locomotive was pulled by a team of 15 participants.
“The locomotive weighs approximately 80 tonnes and is pulled by 15 participants per team,” Hendra said in Bandung on Tuesday (18/8).
The activity, which began in the morning, was attended by 18 work units within Daop 2 Bandung. Hendra emphasised that although the load was extremely heavy, teamwork was the key to success. “The locomotive is indeed heavy. But if it is done together, nothing is impossible,” he added.
According to Hendra, the essence of the independence celebration was not merely a physical contest. The activity served as an important means to foster a sense of togetherness and strengthen collaboration among employees in the field.
“We are one team; no unit is the most important at KAI. We must be united and cohesive for the same goal, which is to provide maximum service to the public,” he stressed. He added that solidarity is essential in building a better national railway.
In addition to the locomotive pulling contest, which tested physical strength and teamwork, KAI Daop 2 Bandung also held a series of other technical competitions. One of these was the independence scrintas, aimed at ensuring safety, security, comfort, and train journey control across all Daop 2 routes.
An emergency rail bridge competition was also held. This contest tested the speed and precision of teams in handling emergency disruptions, such as broken rail incidents. The competition also served as a simulation of staff readiness so that train operations can continue safely even when faced with emergency conditions in the field.