PT KAI's idea for new division hailed
Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Transportation experts have applauded state-owned train company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI)'s mulling of a plan to separate its Greater Jakarta division in an effort to improve services.
Transportation expert Alan Marino of the University of Indonesia said the plan was feasible as the division should be profitable, unlike the current situation.
"The plan is feasible as there are more than 100,000 people using the trains daily. Even PT KAI can reap huge profits as long as it manages its trains in a transparent way," he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
"All we need now is to encourage all the passengers, who mostly have become free-riders, to buy tickets. We must increase passengers' discipline."
Alan also said that using the train was quicker than using buses or driving private cars.
"You can take the train from Bogor to Jakarta faster than any other form of land transportation. It is even faster when you take the express train, although it may be slightly more expensive."
Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Land Transportation Directorate General at the Ministry of Transportation, Barata, told the Post that the plan to establish a special division was still being studied.
"We are still studying several options to manage the commuter train. It can be a joint operational scheme or establishing a new joint venture company," he said.
"All of the train infrastructure belongs to the government as regulated by the law. But the private sector can manage commuter trains."
Barata also said the plan had to be finalized by the minister of transportation and the state minister of the empowerment of state enterprises.
"But until then, we are open to any suggestion. We also still have to educate the public about the plan," he said.
So far, the Greater Jabotabek division has failed to provide comfortable and safe services. Its trains are always crowded, forcing some passengers to sit on the roof.
The latest data shows that PT KAI suffered losses of Rp 69.5 billion in 2000 and Rp 52.7 billion in 2001.
The losses have been blamed on increasing electricity and fuel prices, economy class discount rates, ticket scalpers and an increasing number of 'free riders'.
Vandalism has also posed as a problem as many residents living along railway tracks have made stoning passing trains a habit. Some brazen passengers also damage or even steal parts of the train, such as benches, fans and lamps.
When asked if there were any investors willing to take over such a poorly-run business, Barata said that the requirements for prospective investors might be toned down.
"We may not seek companies who can pay the most but those who can rely on the least amount of subsidy while providing the best service.
"But of course it would be better if there is a company who can bring more revenue with their management," he said.