Trans Sumatra Railway Project to Feature Integrated Transport Hubs, Not Relying Solely on State Budget

Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) is advancing the Trans Sumatra Railway project, envisioning it as a catalyst for integrated transportation hubs across the island. This initiative aims to bolster connectivity and foster sustainable mobility for the region's residents.

Kemenhub Director General of Integrated Transportation and Multimodality, Risal Wasal, emphasized the focus on creating optimally interconnected transport nodes. "Yes, (the development of the Trans Sumatra railway line can be) well-integrated, safe, and comfortable," he stated. Wasal clarified that the ministry prioritizes the development of safe, comfortable, and accessible intermodal integration points, rather than specifically Transit Oriented Development (TOD) which typically involves additional commercial structures like hotels.

Wasal explained that the Trans Sumatra Railway is expected to generate new transportation hubs tailored to the service needs and regional characteristics of Sumatra. These hubs are designed to enhance intermodal integration, leading to more efficient passenger and freight movement and improved connectivity between various areas on the island. Previously, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi indicated that the project, spanning from Banda Aceh to Bandar Lampung, would not depend solely on the state budget (APBN). The government is actively seeking alternative financing schemes to accelerate the railway network's development.

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Yes, (the development of the Trans Sumatra railway line can be) well-integrated, safe, and comfortable.