Commitment of KAI for a Resilient and Growing Indonesia

As part of commemorating the 76th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia in 2021, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues to strive to remain resilient and keep growing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"KAI continues to implement various adaptations, innovations, and contributions to provide a sense of safety and comfort for both customers and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic," said KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo.

To support the Government in accelerating the COVID-19 vaccination program, KAI, together with its subsidiary KAI Commuter, provides free COVID-19 vaccination services for customers and the public at various railway stations. The purpose of these free vaccination services at stations is to help achieve community immunity, or herd immunity, as quickly as possible.

The free COVID-19 vaccination services have been provided by the KAI Group at 24 railway stations. The number of stations offering free vaccinations will continue to increase so that more people can participate in the vaccination program. As of August 15, a total of 36,226 people had received free vaccinations at railway stations.

During the pandemic, KAI has also limited the maximum passenger capacity to 70% for long-distance trains, 50% for local trains, and 32% for Commuter Line services. These measures are supported by the strict implementation of health protocols at stations, including temperature checks, mandatory face masks, and physical distancing.

KAI has also provided various facilities for customers as part of adapting to the new normal, such as portable handwashing stations, hand sanitizers, and healthy kits for long-distance passengers. In addition, to reduce mobility and physical contact, KAI has added several new features to the KAI Access application, allowing customers to manage their journeys online without having to visit the station.

The difficult situation caused by the pandemic has not stopped KAI from contributing more to the nation. During the early stage of the pandemic, KAI distributed 10,000 free long-distance train ticket vouchers to teachers and healthcare workers in commemoration of Heroes' Day. In May 2021, KAI also provided financial assistance worth IDR 328 million to station porters affected by the pandemic.

KAI also donated personal protective equipment (PPE) and ambulances to several regional governments to support COVID-19 response efforts. Most recently, KAI transported 80 tons of oxygen owned by the Ministry of Health free of charge by train from Tanjung Priok Station in Jakarta to Kalimas Station on August 5, 2021. Previously, on July 16, KAI had also provided free transportation for 122 tons of oxygen from Kalimas Station in Surabaya to Sungai Lagoa Station in Jakarta. KAI's subsidiary, KAI Logistics, also offered free delivery services for oxygen and oxygen cylinders, as well as special discounts for shipping medicines, PPE, and other medical equipment by rail throughout July 2021.

Continuing to Grow

"Adaptation, innovation, and collaboration are the key factors that enable KAI to continue growing during this crisis," said Didiek.

Beyond passenger transportation, KAI believes that freight transportation is one of the key factors in maintaining business performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. KAI continues to work hard to improve the performance of its freight transportation services.

At the end of the first semester of 2021, KAI's freight transportation performance continued to show a positive trend. From January to July 2021, KAI transported 28.2 million tons of freight, an increase of 8.9% compared to the same period in 2020, when KAI transported 25.9 million tons of goods.

Coal Freight Train

"The increase in freight volume transported by KAI is very important in helping the company remain resilient during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," said Didiek.

KAI has also demonstrated continuous growth by maintaining progress on the National Strategic Projects entrusted by the Government, despite the pandemic. As of July 30, 2021, the Jabodebek LRT project had reached 73.31% completion, while the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway project had reached 77.45%.

Although the pandemic has affected the project completion targets to some extent, KAI continues to make every effort by maintaining close coordination with stakeholders. Direct monitoring and supervision are carried out continuously, while testing processes are accelerated whenever possible. KAI has also established a Project Management Office (PMO) to oversee the projects and ensure their overall progress runs smoothly.

KAI is committed to fulfilling this mandate so that more people can enjoy comfortable and modern rail-based mass transportation services.

"The intensive development of rail-based transportation currently being carried out by KAI aims to provide an integrated transportation system that makes travel easier for the public. In the future, this progress is expected not only to increase transportation capacity but also to deliver real benefits to society, which will ultimately contribute to the nation's development," Didiek concluded. (Public Relations KAI)