Ahead of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, Indonesian Train Drivers Successfully Operate Whoosh

Indonesia should be proud! Ahead of its 79th anniversary, Indonesian Whoosh train drivers have now successfully operated the Whoosh High-Speed Train at a speed of 350 km/h. This proves that the transfer of knowledge has gone smoothly as expected. These Indonesian train drivers are no longer only accompanying, but have fully operated the Whoosh high-speed train in non-passenger travel conditions accompanied by instructors.

This is certainly an important milestone in the history of railway development in Indonesia. It proves Indonesia’s readiness to independently manage and operate high-speed train technology.

“This moment is a special gift for the Indonesian nation which will celebrate the 79th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, because Indonesian human resources in the railway sector have achieved significant progress in developing their capabilities. This milestone is proof that the knowledge transfer process from Chinese professional staff to Indonesian human resources is going well and smoothly,” said VP PR KAI, Anne Purba.

A total of 39 out of 72 Indonesian train drivers seconded from KAI have entered stage 2 of the on-the-job training process. In stage 1, Indonesian Whoosh train drivers conducted observations of professional driver work processes. Entering stage 2, Indonesian train drivers began operating Whoosh during shunting at the Tegalluar Depot, confirmation trains or trains operating before the first departure schedule from Halim–Tegalluar round trip, and inspection trains or the Comprehensive Inspection Train (CIT) Halim–Tegalluar round trip at a speed of 350 km/h.

Before entering stage 3 or driving passenger trains under supervision, Indonesian train drivers still have to take exams as proof of competency that they are capable of applying various operational SOPs and handling Whoosh in emergency conditions.

In addition to the achievements of Indonesian train drivers, 40 out of 78 Whoosh maintenance personnel have also started on-the-job training stage 3. Previously, they went through stage 1 observing and stage 2 assisting the daily maintenance process of Whoosh facilities.

In stage 3 of the on-the-job training, maintenance work is now starting to be carried out independently under supervision.

“This achievement is a real proof of KAI’s commitment through KCIC in developing Indonesian human resources, while continuing to strive to realize the success of the Whoosh high-speed train project in Indonesia. We are committed to continuing to provide safe, comfortable, and reliable high-speed train services for all Indonesian people,” Anne concluded.