Progress of Bekasi–Cikarang DDT Stalled, Transport Minister Prepares Policy Adjustments
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has spoken about the progress of the double-double track (DDT) or dual railway line project from Bekasi to Cikarang. Dudy stated that the financing for the project is not entirely covered by the state budget.
“For the double-double track construction, we will certainly adjust it with KAI. There are parts that will be investments from KAI and also parts that are part of the government programme,” Dudy said during a press conference at Bekasi Timur Station, West Java, on Wednesday (28/4/2036).
Dudy explained that the Ministry of Transport will make changes to policies regarding the management of railway infrastructure. The government, he continued, plans to hand over the management of infrastructure entirely to KAI.
“In the future, I can state that the Ministry of Transport will hand over the management of infrastructure to PT KAI so that the Ministry of Transport will only act as a regulator,” Dudy said.
According to Dudy, this policy change will impact the planning patterns for railway projects, including the construction of the DDT Bekasi–Cikarang. Dudy assessed that the adjustment aims to align with the latest conditions following the transfer of infrastructure management.
“So this change will also affect the patterns or planning by PT KAI, including the construction of the double-double track. So we will adjust it again with the latest conditions that the infrastructure will be fully handed over to PT KAI,” Dudy said.
Chairman of the Indonesian Transport Society Railway Forum (MTI) Deddy Herlambang highlighted the vital role of continuing the DDT Bekasi-Cikarang project. Deddy noted that the progress of the DDT Bekasi-Cikarang is currently limited to the review of the Detailed Engineering Design as of April 202.
“The DDT already extends to Bekasi (from Manggarai), what is still stalled is Bekasi-Cikarang. Its benefits are very significant for safety because the intercity train lines versus urban train lines are separated,” Deddy said.