KAI Daop 9 Jember Commemorates National Children's Day with Robotics Competition
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Daerah Operasi 9 Jember marked National Children’s Day by holding the KAI RailTech Robotics Competition in cooperation with Koding Akademi – Robotics and Coding Center at the Garuda Building of KAI Daop 9 Jember.
“The event was attended by 20 participants from kindergarten through to junior secondary level, drawn from 10 schools — seven in Jember Regency and three from Banyuwangi Regency,” said Cahyo Widiantoro, Manager of Legal Affairs and Public Relations at PT KAI (Persero) Daop 9, in Jember, East Java, on Thursday.
Carrying the theme “Track the Future!”, the event is a manifestation of KAI’s commitment to supporting the development of the younger generation through creative, innovative and enjoyable technology-based learning.
“During the competition, participants programmed robots to complete various missions on tracks designed to resemble railway journeys across the Daop 9 Jember area,” he said.
He explained that the robots had to move precisely through a number of points representing stations such as Jember, Banyuwangi Kota and Ketapang.
Through the simulation, participants not only learnt to construct programming logic but also honed systematic thinking, creativity, precision and problem-solving skills in tackling each challenge.
“National Children’s Day is the right occasion for KAI to present a learning space that can inspire children to become closer to the world of technology whilst also getting to know railways as a mode of transport that continues to develop with the times,” he said.
Through the National Children’s Day moment, he added, KAI wished to present activities that are not merely entertaining but also provide meaningful learning experiences for children.
“The KAI RailTech Robotics Competition serves as a platform to cultivate curiosity, creativity and interest in technology and innovation, whilst introducing the world of railways through an enjoyable approach,” he said.
According to him, technological developments in the transport sector require human resources who are adaptive, creative and capable of logical thinking from an early age.
For that reason, KAI continues its efforts to present various educational programmes capable of encouraging children’s interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“Today’s digital transformation demands that the younger generation possess logical thinking skills, creativity and adaptability to technological developments,” he said.
Through simulations using railway operations as a learning medium, children not only learn about robotics and coding but also gain an understanding of how technology supports transport services that are increasingly safe, reliable and modern.
“We hope the experience gained today can inspire the children to keep learning, creating and innovating, because they are the ones who will become the next generation in delivering various technological advances in the future,” he said.
Cahyo expressed hope that similar activities can continue to be developed as part of the company’s commitment to supporting the improvement of Indonesia’s human resources so they are excellent, creative and ready to face the era of digital transformation.