Jakarta –
Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi inaugurated the soft launch of Makassar-Parepare train for Garongkong-Maros segment. Sulawesi’s first train It runs through 9 stations and a track length of 80 km.
The inauguration of this limited operation was marked by the beating of a drum. The grand opening was held at the train depot located at Maros Regency.
Budi Karya said the activity being held is historic because it features trains in Sulawesi. He hopes that the grand launch will be held in May 2023 and in the presence of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)
“Today is a historic milestone for President Jokowi’s aspirations to create Trans Sulawesi. At one point, we achieved that. I hope the president will be at the grand launch in May,” he said on Friday in Maros, South Sulawesi (2/ 12/2022).
According to Budi Karya, this train demonstrates that development is not happening only in Java and Sumatra. However, the development is evenly distributed across the regions.
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The first train to Sulawesi is running Photo: Achmad Dwi Afriadi/detikcom
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“This was proclaimed by the president so that not only in Java and Sumatra but the Indonesia-centric concept is realized. Real proof that the trains are not only in Java but also in Sulawesi,” said Budi Karya.
Also, Budi Karya, focused on raising public awareness of the presence of Sulawesi train and tourism sector in this launch. He added, this train itself is still free through December.
“This first phase is a soft launch, we are making more efforts to raise awareness of Sulawesi Train and Rammang-Rammang tours. We are free till December,” he said.
For information, this train passes through 9 stations: Maros, Rammang-rammang, Pangkajene, Labakkang, Ma’rang, Mandalle, Tenete Rilau, Barru and Garongkong.
(acd/il)
