Surakarta (7/3) – Head of Central Java Region Railway Engineering Center, Putu Sumarjaya, was present as a resource person in the Public Discussion entitled "One Year Reflection and Exploration of Yogya-Solo KRL Service with the Community." This discussion also presented the Director General of Railways, Zulfikri, as the keynote speaker. In his opening of his presentation, Putu expressed his appreciation for the performance of PT. The KAI Commuter has successfully transported more than 2 million KRL service users across Jogja-Klaten-Solo. "We have to maintain this great public enthusiasm in a synergistic manner. The government has consistently carried out network development supported by efforts to improve services by operators," said Putu.

Putu continued that the development of the KRL network across Jogja-Solo has started in 2011 through a feasibility study, followed by the preparation of Detail Engineering Design in 2012, the construction of electrification and testing of the Jogja-Solo (62 Km) line in 2019-2020, and the operation commercial KRL in early 2021. "We have faced many challenges in those 2 years, ensuring the support of the community around the construction site, how we have to do active work without disrupting the operation of the train journey, finally our hard work paid off with the great enthusiasm of the community in utilizing this connectivity to support their daily mobility and activities," he explained.

To support KRL operations, in 2020, BTP Jabagteng has built 8 substations located in Lempuyangan, Maguwo, Brambanan, Srowot, Klaten, Ceper, Gawok, and Purwosari. The construction of this substation is intended so that the voltage, current type, and frequency of electricity supply are in accordance with KRL facilities. BTP Jabagteng also installs overhead electricity and catenary wires connected to power house substations as well as modifies electrical signals, as well as arranges for emplacements for Yogyakarta, Lempuyangan, and Solo Balapan stations. Putu added that it is now more accessible for the public to access KRL services with the opening of Srowot, Ceper, Delanggu, and Gawok stations.

"In order to expand the range of KRL services and provide agglomeration transportation, BTP Jabagteng has resumed electrification work across Solo Balapan - Palur. In the last two years, we have worked on substation and LAA work between Solo Balapan – Solo Jebres, reorganizing the Solo Jebres track layout, and constructing the KRL Maintenance Depot at Jebres Station. As of March 2022, the electrification progress has reached 73%, and the depot construction has reached 58%. The entire commuter transportation infrastructure and facilities will then go through a series of tests and certifications until they are declared operational. We are optimistic that the public can enjoy the operational extension of the KRL service to Palur Station before the end of 2022," said Putu.

Putu further said that the Government would continue to realize its commitment to developing the railway network, particularly in Central Java and DIY agglomeration areas. "In 2022, we plan to re-routing the operation of the Pioneer Bathara Kresna train across Purwosari-Wonogiri. This existing route will later be extended to Adi Soemarmo Airport Station. So the people of Wonogiri and its surroundings, as well as KRL passengers who will continue their journey to Adi Soemarmo, can transit at Purwosari Station and continue using this train to the Airport Station. Integration facilities are currently available, such as a sky bridge between Solo Balapan Station and Tirtonadi Terminal, Yogyakarta Station with Trans Jogja, and Purwosari Station with (Batik Solo Trans)," said Putu at the end of his presentation.

The Public Discussion, which took place in a hybrid manner, also presented other speakers, namely, the President Director of PT. KCI (Roppiq Lutzfi Azhar), Transportation Observer (Djoko Setijowarno), Chairman of YLKI (Tulus Abadi). Also attending the discussion as responders were Deputy Executive Vice President (EVP) Daop 6 (Ririn Widi Astutik), Representative of the Yogyakarta Region KRL Community (Yusticia Ida), and Representative of the Solo Region KRL Community (Eka Indarto).