2023 Indonesian used train import controversy

Last updated

In 2023, a controversy arose in Indonesia over the import of used Japanese rail units for use in the Commuterline network.

Contents

KAI Commuter, intending to import additional used Japanese trains to replace old rolling stock and expand the capacity of the network, failed to secure approval from a number of government bodies such as the Ministry of Industry and the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investments Affairs. The ministries gave preference to domestically produced, albeit costlier, units by Industri Kereta Api. The importation of used rolling stock were eventually shot down, and KAI instead agreed to import new trainsets while refurbishing old ones.

Background

A used Tokyo Metro 6000 series car as part of Commuterline. Tokyo Metro 6131F, Depok.jpg
A used Tokyo Metro 6000 series car as part of Commuterline.

Since 2000, the Indonesian state-owned railway operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) have received or imported secondhand rolling stock from Japan for use in the Greater Jakarta commuter railway network. Starting around 2010, this accelerated and by 2018 KAI (or its subsidiary, KAI Commuter) was operating over 900 used Japanese train cars. [1] For Japanese railway companies, it was often considered more cost-effective to transfer the used train cars than to scrap them locally due to environmental regulations. [2] Additionally, Japan and Indonesia shared the 1,067 mm gauge, which made Japanese trains immediately useable in Indonesia. [3]

These cars were transferred at a relatively low price – according to trade statistics, over a thousand Japanese train cars were sold to Indonesia with a price below ¥10 million (~USD 100,000 each) between 1999 and 2017, [4] while KAI stated in 2023 that it would cost the company Rp 150 billion (~USD 10 million) to import ten used train car sets (100 cars) from Japan. In comparison, KAI stated that locally manufactured trains by Industri Kereta Api (INKA) would cost Rp 4 trillion (USD 270 million) for the purchase of 160 cars. [5] Both KAI and its passengers generally welcomed the Japanese cars such as the Tokyo Metro 6000 series, which arrived in typically good condition and featured air conditioning. [6] Furthermore, as INKA lacked the production capacity to rapidly expand commuter services, KAI under then-CEO Ignasius Jonan opted to import more cars throughout the 2010s. [7]

2023 import

An E217 series trainset, the model type KAI sought to import Series-E217 Y7.jpg
An E217 series trainset, the model type KAI sought to import

In September 2022, KAI filed for permission to import 348 used Japanese E217 series cars, as it planned to retire a number of older trainsets and expand its capacity in 2023. However, in January 2023, the Ministry of Industry rejected the filing, claiming that INKA was capable of manufacturing the needed train cars. INKA, however, stated that it would only be able to fulfill the production needed by 2025, as it already had production backlogs for the Jabodebek LRT and the Trans-Sulawesi Railway. [8]

Following the industrial ministry's rejection, a review by the Finance and Development Supervisory Agency  [ id ] (BPKP) further recommended that KAI not import the trains, and proposed that KAI should instead retrofit the 29 trainsets previously intended to be retired. [9] The BPKP's review also considered the present Commuterline capacity to be sufficient, citing overall occupancy while acknowledging overload during peak hours. [10] It further noted that the expected passenger loads in 2023 were lower than the actual passenger numbers recorded in 2019, despite the number of train carriages being slightly higher. [11] The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investments Affairs also opposed the import, citing the BPKP recommendation. [10]

On 22 June 2023, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan announced that the import of the used train cars will be cancelled, but instead the government will import three newly manufactured trainsets from Japan. [12] The trainsets are expected to arrive in Indonesia by 2024. [13] KAI set aside Rp 676.8 billion (USD 42 million) to purchase the trainsets. [14] However, this was later changed when KAI Commuter opted to import new trains from China's CRRC Qingdao Sifang instead. [15] Pandjaitan added that this was to avoid violating a number of ministerial regulations, including one from the Ministry of Trade which banned the importation of capital goods exceeding 20 years of age. [16] Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir noted that the import would be done to cover short-term needs, as the recovery in passenger numbers exceeded KAI's projections. [17] KAI also signed a contract with PT INKA for 16 new trainsets, to be delivered gradually between 2025 and 2026. [18]

Reactions

One member of the People's Representative Council, Andre Rosiade  [ id ] from the Gerindra Party, initially voiced his opposition to the import, but switched his stance after riding a train during rush hour due to public demand. [19] Another legislator, Evita Nursanty  [ id ] of PDI-P, also opposed the bill and questioned the urgency of the import. [20]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rail transport in Indonesia</span>

The majority of Indonesia's railways are on Java, used for both passenger and freight transport. There are three noncontinuous railway networks in Sumatra while two new networks are being developed in Kalimantan and Sulawesi. Indonesia has finalized its plan for a national railway network recently. According to the plan, 3,200 km of train tracks that will criss-cross the islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi, it has been touted as the most extensive railway project in Indonesia since its independence from the Dutch in 1945. Indonesia targets to extend the national railway network to 10,524 kilometres by 2030. As of September 2022, the network spans 7,032 km.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">203 series</span> Japanese train type

The 203 series (203系) is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated in Japan between 1982 and 2011 by Japanese National Railways (JNR) and later by East Japan Railway Company, and currently operated by KAI Commuter and Philippine National Railways.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">E217 series</span> Japanese train type

The E217 series (E217系) is a suburban electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by East Japan Railway Company in the Kantō region of Japan since 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tokyo Metro 05 series</span> Japanese train type

The TRTA/Tokyo Metro 05 series is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Ayase Branch in Japan by the subway operator Tokyo Metro. Some sets have also been shipped to Indonesia, where they operate on the KRL Commuterline system in Jakarta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KRL Commuterline</span> Commuter rail system in Greater Jakarta, Indonesia

KRL Commuterline, commonly known as Greater Jakarta Commuter rail, or KRL Commuter Line Jabodetabek is a commuter rail system for Greater Jakarta in Indonesia. It was previously known as KRL Jabodetabek. It is operated by KAI Commuter (KAIC/KCI), a subsidiary of the Indonesian national railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). The rail system uses rolling stock of rapid transit standard and operates at high frequency with a minimum headway. In 2019, the average number of Commuterline users per day reaches average of 1.04 million, with the record of the highest number of users served in a day being 1,154,080.

PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero), abbreviated as INKA, is an Indonesian state owned rolling stock manufacturer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bogor railway station</span> Railway station in Indonesia

Bogor Station (BOO), formerly Buitenzorg Station, is a railway station located in the city of Bogor, West Java. This station serves as the terminus for the Red Line service of KRL Commuterline. The station has five island platforms and two side platforms. The station is located +246 meter above sea level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cikini railway station</span> Railway station in Indonesia

Cikini Station is a railway station located on Jl. Cikini Raya, Cikini, Menteng, Jakarta. This station is only served by KRL Commuterline commuter trains from Jakarta Kota to Depok and Bogor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pasar Minggu railway station</span> Railway station in Indonesia

Pasar Minggu Station (PSM) is a railway station in Pasar Minggu, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. The station, which is located at an altitude of +36 meters, is included in the Operation Area I Jakarta and only serves the KRL Commuterline route.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KAI Commuter Bogor Line</span> Commuter rail line

The Bogor Line, officially the Bogor Commuter Line, is a commuter rail line in Indonesia, operated by PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI). The line connects Jakarta Kota station in West Jakarta and Bogor station in Bogor, West Java. On maps and diagrams, the line is shown using the color "red". The line is the busiest in the KA Commuter system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KAI Commuter Rangkasbitung Line</span> Commuter rail line in Indonesia

The Rangkasbitung Line, officially the Rangkasbitung Commuter Line, is a commuter rail line in Indonesia, operated by PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI). The line connects Tanah Abang station in Central Jakarta and Rangkasbitung station in Lebak Regency, Banten. On maps and diagrams, the line is shown using the color "green". Tanah Abang–Rangkasbitung line is the longest and fourth busiest line in the KRL Commuterline system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KAI Commuter Loop Line</span> Commuter rail line in Indonesia

KA Commuter line Jatinegara–Bogor or the Jakarta loop line was a commuter rail line in Indonesia, operated by PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI). The line connected Jatinegara station in East Jakarta and Bogor station in Bogor, West Java. On maps and diagrams, the line was shown using the colour "yellow". The Jatinegara–Bogor line was the second busiest line in the KA Commuter system. Covering the distance of 69.35 kilometres, it was the longest KA Commuter line, combining the loop-line on Jatinegara–Kampung Bandan–Tanah Abang–Manggarai with Manggarai–Depok–Bogor lines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juanda railway station</span> Railway station in Indonesia

Juanda Station is a railway station located in Kebon Kelapa, Gambir, Central Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia. Since Gambir station stopped serving Commuterline trains, Juanda, along, with Gondangdia station, has become the alternative for passengers going to Merdeka Square and the surrounding areas. It is also located near the Istiqlal Mosque.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soekarno–Hatta Airport Rail Link</span> Airport rail link in Indonesia

Soekarno–Hatta Airport Commuter Line or simply Soekarno–Hatta Line is an airport rail link service in Greater Jakarta, Indonesia. This airport rail link was built to cut travel time from the Jakarta city center to the airport, as roads connecting the Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (SHIA) and Jakarta city center are frequently affected by traffic congestion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BNI City railway station</span> Railway station in Indonesia

BNI City station is a station for the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link and KAI Commuter service. Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) holds the naming rights for the station, which was known as Sudirman Baru station during construction period. The station is located in Central Jakarta, on the north bank of West Flood Canal, about a hundred meters from Sudirman Commuter Rail station. The station is part of Dukuh Atas TOD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prambanan Express Commuter Line</span> Indonesian commuter rail service

Prambanan Express Commuter Line or simply Prambanan Express, commonly abbreviated as Pramex and Prameks, is a commuter rail service that operates between Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta and Kutoarjo, Purworejo Regency, Central Java in Indonesia. The service, which first operated in 1994, covers a distance of about 64 kilometers and operates using diesel multiple unit trains. It was previously serving Yogyakarta–Solo for 26 years before it was electrified in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EA203 series</span> Indonesian train type

The EA203 series is an Electric Multiple Unit produced by Industri Kereta Api, in collaboration with Bombardier which will be used as Soekarno–Hatta Airport Rail Link express services from Manggarai Station in Jakarta to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport at Tangerang, Banten. EA203 series was purchased by PT Railink, a joint venture between PT Kereta Api Indonesia and PT Angkasa Pura II which is the operator of the airport train in Indonesia, totaling 60 units divided into 10 series with 6 car formations. EA203 series was sent from its factory in Madiun to Jakarta in stages starting in August 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KAI Commuter Yogyakarta Line</span> Commuter rail system in Indonesia

KAI Commuter Yogyakarta Line, officially the Yogyakarta Commuter Line, is a commuter rail system in Indonesia serving Greater Yogyakarta in Special Region of Yogyakarta and Greater Surakarta (Solo) in Central Java. Operated by KAI Commuter, subsidiary of the national railway company Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), it is the first electric-powered commuter rail system in Indonesia outside of Greater Jakarta's KRL Commuterline. The single-line system replaced Yogyakarta-Solo section of diesel-powered commuter rail Prambanan Ekspres (Prameks), also operated by KAI Commuter, on 10 February 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matraman railway station</span> Railway station in Indonesia

The Matraman Station (MTR) is the KRL Commuterline train station located on the border between Kebon Manggis, Matraman and Kampung Melayu, Jatinegara, East Jakarta, Indonesia. This station is adjacent to the Gunung Antang localization area and was built as the part of the Manggarai–Cikarang doubled-double track project.

References

  1. ↑ "'Japanese style' train culture booming in Jakarta". Mainichi Daily News. 11 November 2018. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  2. ↑ Kojima, Michikazu; Sakata, Shozo (28 September 2021). International Trade of Secondhand Goods: Flow of Secondhand Goods, Actors and Environmental Impact. Springer Nature. p. 31. ISBN   978-3-030-55579-5. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  3. ↑ "Cuma Indonesia yang Beli Kereta Bekas Jepang". Republika (in Indonesian). 4 December 2014. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  4. ↑ Kojima & Sakata 2021, p. 38.
  5. ↑ Rizky, Martyasari (3 March 2023). "Wah Murah Banget! Ternyata Segini Harga KRL Bekas Jepang". CNBC Indonesia (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  6. ↑ Kojima & Sakata 2021, p. 43.
  7. ↑ Kojima & Sakata 2021, p. 44.
  8. ↑ "Melihat Urgensi Impor KRL Bekas Jepang yang Ditolak Kemenperin". CNN Indonesia (in Indonesian). 2 March 2023. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  9. ↑ "BPKP Tak Anjurkan Impor KRL Bekas dari Jepang". Kompas (in Indonesian). 6 April 2023. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  10. 1 2 "Impor KRL tidak dapat restu pemerintah, 'pengguna bisa kembali ke zaman atapers'". BBC News Indonesia (in Indonesian). 6 April 2023. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  11. ↑ "Pemerintah bilang tidak untuk impor KRL bekas". ANTARA News Megapolitan (in Indonesian). 6 April 2023. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  12. ↑ "Batal Impor KRL Bekas, Luhut Bakal Impor 3 Rangkaian KRL Baru dari Jepang". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). 23 June 2023. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  13. ↑ "Tiga KRL Baru Impor dari Jepang Masuk ke Indonesia pada 2024". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). 12 July 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  14. ↑ "Mau Impor 3 Trainset KRL dari Jepang, KAI Butuh Dana Rp 676,8 Miliar". liputan6.com (in Indonesian). 19 September 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  15. ↑ "KAI Commuter Impor 3 Rangkaian KRL Baru dari China Rp 783 Miliar". kumparan (in Indonesian). Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  16. ↑ "Luhut pastikan pemerintah impor KRL baru dari Jepang, bukan bekas". Antara News (in Indonesian). 23 June 2023. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  17. ↑ "Akhiri "Tarik Ulur" Rencana Impor KRL Bekas, Luhut: Jika Dilakukan, Langgar 3 Aturan". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). 23 June 2023. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  18. ↑ "Gagal Impor KRL Bekas dari Jepang, KAI Commuter Permak 19 Kereta Tahun Ini". liputan6.com (in Indonesian). 25 June 2023. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  19. ↑ "Dulu Gebrak Meja Menolak, Andre Rosiade Sekarang Dukung Impor KRL Bekas Jepang". VIVA.co.id (in Indonesian). 14 April 2023. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  20. ↑ "Pertanyakan Urgensi, Anggota DPR Tolak Rencana Impor Kereta Bekas dari Jepang, Banjir Cibiran: Udah Pernah Coba Naik KRL?". suara.com (in Indonesian). 27 March 2023. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.