KAI Partners with Pelindo and PTPN III to Support Railway Connectivity in North Sumatra's Industrial Area Through MoU
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), together with PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) and PT Perkebunan Nusantara III (Persero), officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a planned collaboration to optimize the Kuala Tanjung Multipurpose Terminal, the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and freight transportation by rail.
The MoU was signed by KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo, Pelindo Director of Strategy Prasetyo, and President Director of Holding PTPN III Mohammad Abdul Ghani, witnessed by the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), Erick Thohir, in Medan on Saturday (8/1).
President Director of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Didiek Hartantyo, President Director of PT Perkebunan Nusantara III (Persero) Mohammad Abdul Ghani, Strategic Director of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) Boy Robyanto, and Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir posed for a group photo following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
"This collaboration among state-owned enterprises is aimed at building a logistics transportation ecosystem in Belawan, Sei Mangkei, and Kuala Tanjung through railway transportation," said KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo.
The MoU serves as a commitment and foundation for exploring a cooperation plan to optimize the Kuala Tanjung Multipurpose Terminal, the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and freight transportation using railways.
By integrating industrial areas with ports through railway transportation, logistics distribution will become more effective and efficient while supporting the Government's program to reduce national logistics costs.
Currently, the railway line connecting the Sei Mangkei SEZ and Kuala Tanjung is still under preparation. KAI will continue to coordinate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the line is ready for operation.
"Using railways for freight transportation is more efficient due to their large carrying capacity. Another advantage is that railway freight helps reduce road damage and is more environmentally friendly," said Didiek.
One of the innovations planned for freight transportation along this route is the construction of pipeline connections from the Sei Mangkei Terminal to the industrial area and from Kuala Tanjung Station to the storage tanks at the port. This initiative will improve operational efficiency by replacing the previous trucking-based distribution system.
Didiek expressed his hope that this SOE collaboration will further improve KAI's freight transportation performance, particularly in Regional Division I North Sumatra. In 2021, KAI transported 702,430 tonnes of freight in Regional Division I North Sumatra. The main commodities transported included fuel, containers, crude palm oil (CPO), and other goods.
"KAI will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders to support the smooth flow of logistics transportation. We hope this partnership will contribute to Indonesia's economic growth, particularly in North Sumatra," Didiek concluded. (Public Relations KAI)