ASEAN Rail Leaders Converge in Bandung to Drive Sustainability Through Innovation

The 44th ASEAN Railway CEOs’ Conference (ARCEOs’ Conference) took place in Bandung, Indonesia, from September 2-5, 2024, under the theme “Driving Sustainability with Digital Innovation.” This year’s conference centered on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly railway development, supported by advancements in digital transformation across safety and service domains.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI) served as the organizing committee for the event and represented Indonesia. The conference was attended by seven other ASEAN railway operators, including Malaysia’s Keretapi Tanah Melayu, Vietnam Railways, Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao National Railways, Philippine National Railways, Myanma Railways, and the State Railway of Thailand.

In his address, Budi Karya Sumadi, the Minister of Transportation for Indonesia, emphasized that the country is witnessing rapid growth in the railway sector, highlighted by the recent launch of Whoosh, ASEAN’s first high-speed train. He noted that in urban rail development, Indonesia is actively expanding its MRT network, continuing construction on the Jabodebek LRT, and introducing the Autonomous Rail Transit system in Nusantara, the future capital city.

The high-speed train aims to enhance Indonesia’s transportation network, fostering better connectivity and economic growth between Jakarta and Bandung through modern, environmentally friendly mass transit. With this new service, the Jakarta-Bandung route is now covered in just 28 minutes, with trains reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h. The train’s design includes spacious and modern interiors, three classes of service, and accommodations for up to 601 passengers, including dedicated spaces for those with disabilities.

Throughout the conference, various working group sessions were held to exchange best practices and explore topics such as digital technology implementation, railway human resource development, digital marketing, service transformation, and the adoption of advanced railway technologies, including high-speed trains.

KAI CEO Didiek Hartantyo explained that the main objective of the 44th ARCEOs Conference was to strengthen relationships and cooperation among railway operators and industry stakeholders within ASEAN. He underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving greater accomplishments and embodying the ASEAN spirit of mutual benefit, shared success, and resilience in the face of challenges. He also noted that the theme, “Driving Sustainability with Digital Innovation,” was chosen to address global challenges like climate change, operational efficiency, and the increasing demand for sustainable transportation while recognizing the impact of technological advancements and evolving customer expectations.

The conference delegates experienced the Whoosh train firsthand on a journey from Padalarang Station in Bandung to Halim Station in Jakarta, followed by a tree-planting activity. Additionally, they rode the Panoramic Train, which was designed with large windows to provide expansive views throughout the trip.

To further support environmental sustainability and digital innovation, KAI utilized electric vehicles during the conference, offered eco-friendly souvenirs, and used a dedicated app to provide information throughout the event. Didiek concluded that the conference not only aimed to foster cooperation among railway operators but also to promote sustainability and digital innovation in line with the ASEAN spirit of unity.

Have you read?
Best Fashion Schools.
Best Universities.
Best Medical Schools.
Best International High Schools.
Countries: Most Female Billionaires.