KAI Signs MoU with the Sawahlunto City Government and the West Sumatra Railway Engineering Office

In support of railway operations on the Sawahlunto–Muaro Kalaban line, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), the Sawahlunto City Government, and the Railway Engineering Office (BTP) for the Western Sumatra Region signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Mayor's Official Residence Hall in Sawahlunto City, West Sumatra Province, on Friday (14/01/2022).

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Sawahlunto Mayor Deri Asta, Head of the West Sumatra Railway Engineering Office (BTP) Suranto, and KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo. The event was also attended by KAI Commercial Director Dadan Rudiansyah, Vice President of KAI Regional Division II West Sumatra Mohamad Arie Fathurrochman, Sawahlunto Deputy Mayor Zohirin Sayuti, and Head of the Sawahlunto Transportation Agency Nurwansyah.

The signing of this MoU serves as an initial commitment and a foundation for the parties to maximize the potential of each institution based on their respective authorities, competencies, programs, and activities in support of the railway operation plan for the Sawahlunto–Muaro Kalaban line.

The agreement also aims to improve transportation services and accessibility while supporting the reactivation of railway infrastructure and rolling stock on the Sawahlunto–Muaro Kalaban line following the designation of Sawahlunto as the "Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto" World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

"This Memorandum of Understanding carries significant strategic value in accelerating the reactivation of the railway line in Sawahlunto," said Sawahlunto Mayor Deri Asta.

Deri Asta explained that, in addition to preserving and protecting Sawahlunto's historical assets, which have been recognized as a World Heritage Site, the railway reactivation is expected to strengthen the tourism sector and improve the local economy.

"After coal mining activities ceased in 1998, all activities related to mining, including railway transportation, gradually came to a halt. Sawahlunto was at risk of becoming a ghost town as many residents moved away or relocated to Tanjung Enim for work. Over time, Sawahlunto transformed from a mining town into a tourism city, culminating in its recognition by UNESCO as a World Heritage City," said Deri Asta.

"We are truly grateful for today's agreement to reactivate Mak Itam and bring the tourist train back into operation. This initiative not only supports the city's vision and the World Heritage agenda of preserving historical heritage, but also creates positive economic impacts for the local community," Deri Asta added.

KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo also stated that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding reflects the shared commitment of all parties to support railway operations on the Sawahlunto–Muaro Kalaban line.

The agreement is also part of a broader effort to support the UNESCO-listed "Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto" and serves as a strategic initiative to accelerate West Sumatra's economic growth through tourism recovery, ultimately contributing to the welfare of the local community.

"I am confident that through strong synergy and harmonious collaboration between the Central Government, Local Government, and KAI, the plans we have agreed upon today can soon become a reality," said Didiek Hartantyo. (Public Relations KAI)