Young Chinese and Indonesian professionals collaborate effectively on KCJB

Qingdao (ANTARA) - On the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail (KCJB) line, trains speeding up to 350 km per hour are transforming Indonesia’s transport system. Spanning 142.3 kilometres, the project sees a group of young professionals, averaging 35 years old, combining technology, dedication, and collaboration to ensure operational safety while building a bridge of friendship between China and Indonesia.

Lv Yang, a maintenance engineer in the KCJB operations and maintenance project managed by CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd., oversees field inspections and technical guidance for train maintenance. He also teaches related technical skills to Indonesian staff.

“I’ve developed practical operational methods and created training videos so Indonesian colleagues can learn at their convenience,” Lv said. Thanks to his guidance, many Indonesian staff have gradually mastered train maintenance skills, becoming the country’s first locally trained high-speed rail technicians.

Lv noted that Indonesian staff are highly enthusiastic, quick learners, and full of energy. Their enthusiasm motivates the Chinese team and accelerates technical knowledge transfer.

Qiu Kaifeng, a second-level ground mechanical maintenance engineer, recalled that Indonesian staff initially struggled with installation precision. “I practised repeatedly with them and refined their techniques. Now, many can independently handle basic maintenance tasks,” he said.

Agus Nurrohman, an Indonesian engineer, emphasised that hands-on practice and repetition are crucial for mastering maintenance work. “Continuous training hones technical skills until they become proficient,” he said.

Han Tengfei, a maintenance scheduling supervisor, observed that Indonesian dispatch staff are young, highly collaborative, and actively exchange cultural insights with Chinese colleagues using translation tools.

“I’m delighted to work with Chinese instructors. Sharing each other’s natural scenery and cuisine during breaks is enjoyable. I hope to join technical training exchanges and visit China to see the beautiful snowscapes,” said Dwiki Sanjaya, an Indonesian dispatch planner.

Indonesian young professionals also show equal enthusiasm. Hanung Dwi Pamungkas highlighted mutual support in daily operations. Indonesian staff share practical experience, while Chinese staff provide technical knowledge. Indonesian staff also assist in field operational coordination by blending local expertise with technical guidance. This collaboration strengthens technical capabilities and team communication.

Arif Gumilang Pangestu (31), senior maintenance team leader, said open communication and mutual respect with Chinese staff enable efficient task completion. He has learned advanced technical knowledge and efficient work methods, while Chinese staff gain hands-on operational experience on-site.

Technical engineer Andy Fii Aunillah (27) highlighted daily coordination before maintenance work, including joint inspection material evaluations. “Chinese engineers are diligent, practical, and highly knowledgeable. Their dedication is truly inspiring,” he said.

This close collaboration didn’t happen overnight. During the early operational phase, locals frequently flew kites near the tracks, posing safety risks. Lv and Indonesian staff conducted safety education at schools and around the rail areas, installed warning signs, significantly reducing risks. This grassroots initiative exemplifies how young professionals from both nations tackle challenges together.

Wu Haogang, Director of CRRC Sifang’s Operations and Maintenance Department, said Chinese and Indonesian young professionals have open communication and mutual trust. Through direct teaching and mentor-trainee guidance, they have trained 78 ground mechanical engineers, 19 dispatch staff, and 23 maintenance personnel, guiding them from novices to independent workers. Indonesian staff actively propose practical improvements, enhancing operational efficiency. Their collaboration reflects deep friendship and trust in the China-Indonesia high-speed rail partnership.

Beyond work, staff actively participate in cultural and sports activities together. Han Tengfei noted Indonesian staff are skilled at badminton and provide careful guidance, reflecting the same supportive spirit as in their professional work.

Zhang Zhiyi, Deputy General Manager of CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd., praised young professionals from both countries for their courage, innovation, perseverance, and meticulousness in ensuring KCJB’s safe operations.

“Their work has driven the successful localisation of China’s high-speed rail technology in Indonesia, nurtured local technical talent, and provided strong support for high-quality operations, while contributing to the ‘golden brand’ of the China-Indonesia Belt and Road cooperation,” he said.

The KCJB officially commenced operations on 17 October 2023. The 142.3-kilometre jointly built line has a top speed of 350 km/h, reducing Jakarta-Bandung travel time from over three hours to just 46 minutes, delivering efficient and comfortable journeys for Indonesians.

As of now, the line has completed safe journeys.