Padang —  As a government institution under the Directorate General of Railways, Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, it is possible to conduct interviews for research proposals at the Class II Railway Technical Office (BTP) in Padang. This was demonstrated by Syafilla Dwi Pratiwi, a student at the Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, Universitas Negeri Padang.

With a proposal entitled "Provision of Public Space for Empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Bukittinggi City", Syafilla explained her purpose for conducting research at BTP Padang, which is related to the reactivation of the railway line in West Sumatra, particularly in Bukittinggi.

By way of background, the land at Bukittinggi Station, which is currently inactive, has been converted into a public space by the local government in cooperation with PT KAI (Persero) Division II West Sumatra to become a culinary tourism area (Lambuang Station) where MSMEs can develop their businesses.

"BTP Padang, in carrying out its duties and functions, opens opportunities for students who want to conduct research on related topics," said BTP Padang Head Hendrialdi in his statement.

In accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia No. PM 36 of 2022 on the Organisation and Work Procedures of Railway Technical Offices, it is stated that the duties of the Railway Technical Office include the implementation of improvements, development, management, maintenance, utilization of railway infrastructure, and supervision of railway operations and safety.

Some of the functions of the office include:

• Preparing plans, programs, and budgets;

• Carrying out activities related to the improvement, development, management, utilization, and maintenance of railway infrastructure;

• Monitoring the operation and maintenance of railway infrastructure conducted by the infrastructure providers;

• Monitoring and controlling level crossings, intersections, and/or the crossing of railway lines with other structures;

• Managing and overseeing traffic and transportation activities;

• Monitoring the operation of railway facilities;

• Overseeing railway safety;

• Conducting socialization and corrective actions on violations of regulations in the railway sector;

• Managing financial, administrative, housekeeping, human resources, legal, organizational, state property management, public relations, as well as evaluation and reporting.

"In line with these tasks and functions, if students wish to conduct research for their proposals, they are welcome to do so," stated the Head of BTP Padang.