VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Mar. 1 - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the Yogyakarta-Solo commuter line on Monday, as the government endeavors to boost the two cities' tourism industry and other economic sectors battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are optimistic that this (electric train service) would facilitate to-and-fro mobility of people and goods between Yogyakarta and Solo. It is also expected to boost our tourism and other economic sectors," Jokowi stated at a ceremony held in Yogyakarta.

At the event, President Jokowi was accompanied by Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, among others.

The head of state lauded the use of eco-friendly technology in the Yogyakarta-Solo commuter line and highlighted the significance of applying environment-friendly technology for other means of transportation across Indonesia.

"I think the mode of transportation in our country must be directed to eco-friendly mass rapid transit in future. Other vehicles must also be eco-friendly," he affirmed.

President Jokowi pointed out that with this electric train service becoming available, the travel time from Yogyakarta to Solo would be around 10 minutes lesser than that taken by the diesel multiple-unit train of Prambanan Express.

"Its operational cost is also more efficient," the president noted.

The commuter line operator PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia published that the Yogyakarta-Solo electric multiple-unit train can serve 20 trips daily if fully operated.

During regular hours, with a maximum speed of 90 kilometers per hour, it can transport 1,600 passengers in one trip.

However, during the coronavirus pandemic, the commuter line operator can accommodate a maximum of 74 passengers in one carriage.

Scores of domestic and international travelers have included Yogyakarta and Solo City in Central Java on their bucket lists owing to the rich cultural and historical heritage coupled with its innate beauty.

Moreover, Yogyakarta’s new international airport called the Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) is projected to help boost its tourism industry. (Antaranews)