In recent years, Light Rail Transit (LRT) has become one of the most popular mass transportation solutions in major cities in Indonesia. One of them is the South Sumatra LRT, which has become an integral part of the province's public transportation system.

Initially, the government planned to build a monorail from the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport to the Jakabaring Sports Complex as an alternative public transportation solution. This was based on research that indicated that the city of Palembang would be completely gridlocked by 2019. However, the plan was later cancelled to welcome the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang. The cancellation was due to difficulties in finding investors to complete the project on time and was considered less profitable.

As a replacement, it was decided to build a Light Rail Transit (LRT), which was considered more effective. The Rp 9,4 trillion LRT project was to be financed by the central government through the state budget and construction contracts awarded to state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Subsequently, on 20 October 2015, President Joko Widodo signed Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 116/2015 on the acceleration of the implementation of the South Sumatra Light Railway/LRT in South Sumatra. Based on Perpres, PT Waskita Karya Tbk is tasked with the construction of LRT infrastructure, including the construction of elevated lines, stations, and operational facilities. The project funding in 2016 will be borne by PT Waskita Karya, while the government, through the Ministry of Transportation, will allocate the project funding budget in the State Budget for 2017 and 2018.

Construction of the LRT infrastructure was successfully completed in February 2018. A series of trials were conducted from May to July 2018, including a limited trial with passengers from 23 to 31 July 2018. The full operation of the South Sumatra LRT began on 1 August 2018, with 6 priority stations opened to serve passengers to and from the 2018 Asian Games venues.

Current Status

After a series of complex developments, the South Sumatra LRT has now become a reality, bringing positive impacts to the community. With a line length of approximately 23 kilometers, the South Sumatra LRT serves a route from Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport to DJKA Station, passing through a number of strategic points such as business centers, shopping malls and tourist attractions.

One of the main advantages of the South Sumatra LRT is its speed and reliability. Compared to other modes of transportation, the LRT is able to significantly reduce travel time, helping South Sumatran residents to be more efficient in their daily mobility. In addition, with its large passenger capacity, it also helps to reduce traffic congestion on Palembang's main roads.

On the other hand, the South Sumatra LRT is also equipped with modern facilities, such as comfortable trains, stations equipped with passenger information systems, and accessibility for people with disabilities. This makes the South Sumatra LRT not only a means of transportation, but also part of the government's efforts to create a more inclusive and environmentally friendly city.

The Future of the South Sumatra LRT

Although it has made a significant contribution to the lives of the people of Palembang and its surrounding areas, the South Sumatra LRT still has the potential to grow. The government continues to make various efforts to improve services, such as utilizing facilities and infrastructure, promoting the benefits of South Sumatra LRT on social media, and integrating with other transportation systems.

Thus, South Sumatra LRT will not only be an efficient mass transportation solution, but also a symbol of the city's progress and modernity. Along with infrastructure development and economic growth in the region, South Sumatra LRT is expected to continue to be the backbone of a reliable and effective transportation system for the wider community.