PALANGKA RAYA – EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION BUREAU. Deputy Governor Edy Pratowo attended the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Provincial Government of Central Kalimantan and PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero) concerning the Plan for the Implementation of Central Kalimantan Railway Project, at Jayang Tingang Hall, Governor’s Office, Wednesday (27/4/2022).

The event was held in a hybrid manner. Being present in person at Jayang Tingang Hall were the Provincial Secretary Nuryakin, Governor’s Expert Staff for Government, Law and Politics Herson B. Aden, Assistant for Economics and Development Leonard S. Ampung, Head of Regional Development Planning, Research, Development Agency Karpinor, Head of Transportation Office Yulindra Dedy, Head of Legal Bureau, Maskur, and Head of Economic Affairs Bureau, Said Salim.

Meanwhile, the participants who attended the meeting virtually were the President Director of PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) Budi Noviantoro, Development Director of PT INKA Agung Sedaju, and a number of other officials of PT INKA.

In his remarks read by Deputy Governor Edy Pratowo, Governor Sugianto Sabran said that concerning rail transportation establishment in Land of Tambun Bungai as stated in the 2015-2035 Spatial and Regional Planning for Central Kalimantan, the Provincial Government has planned to develop a rail transportation network system consisting of 5 routes. These five routes are considered to have the potential to help improve the economy and facilitate community mobility.

To achieve this goal, according to the Governor, an appropriate and comprehensive planning process is needed so that efforts to develop the railway network can create harmony between the railway network and regional spatial planning; integrated control over the use of space for the railway network; the integration of the railway network as an integrated regional transportation network system; and can create efficiency in the operation of the railway.

On this occasion, the Governor also said that his party welcomed the initiation of PT INKA to assist and synergize with the Regional Government in conducting a review of the plan for implementing a railway project in Central Kalimantan Province.

“What we are doing now is a form of commitment from the Regional Government in opening up space and opportunities for every investor who will develop a rail transportation network plan in Central Kalimantan,” said the Governor.

The governor also hopes that better connectivity patterns will make people’s mobility easier, so that new economic points will grow.

Previously, the President Director of PT INKA Budi Noviantoro revealed that the railway project in Central Kalimantan Province would not only be intended for transportation of goods, such as coal and Food Estate products, but in the future transportation for passengers will also be initiated.

After the event, in his interview with media, Deputy Governor Edy Pratowo said that the implementation of the railway line construction had already existed, but had not been followed up properly.

“We hope that this MoU can be implemented soon because the stages for that need further coordination. This MoU is a form of progress in our collective desire to open up the mobility of transportation of our products, our natural resources so that they can be issued properly through proficient trade, business and economy,” said Deputy Governor Edy Pratowo. (ran/transl.feb)