Indonesian rail operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with German national rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) to support the transformation of Indonesia’s railway sector toward greater sustainability and digitalization. The signing ceremony, held in Jakarta last month, was attended by KAI’s President Director and a delegation from Deutsche Bahn.
This event marks a significant step in the ongoing strategic collaboration between KAI and Deutsche Bahn following the launch of their joint ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) benchmarking initiatives in February 2024. The initiative aims to identify and apply global best practices in sustainability and governance within the railway industry.
The signed cooperation agreement outlines joint efforts in developing ESG roadmaps, advancing sustainable technologies through training programs, digitizing rail operations, promoting transit-oriented urban development, and reducing carbon emissions. The partnership will also cover sustainable depot planning and the implementation of a more efficient fleet maintenance system.
KAI has implemented several ESG initiatives, including the planned installation of solar power plants (PLTS) at 66 operational sites in 2024, the adoption of environmentally friendly fuels such as biodiesel, and efforts to reduce the use of plastic and paper in daily operations.
Innovation plays a key role in KAI’s green agenda, exemplified by the planned launch of a Carbon Footprint feature in the Access by KAI application by the end of 2024. This feature enables passengers to track the carbon emissions of their journeys, aiming to raise public awareness about the environmental benefits of choosing sustainable transportation options.
The partnership will also facilitate joint training programs, technology exchanges, and consular support from Deutsche Bahn in areas such as transit-oriented development (TOD), digital infrastructure management, and noise reduction.
As part of the digitization efforts, the collaboration involves the adoption of technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twin, and an event-driven architecture-based traffic management system. These innovations are expected to enhance the operational efficiency and reliability of both conventional and high-speed train services.
Deutsche Bahn, through its representative, expressed support for the collaboration and affirmed its readiness to serve as a strategic partner to KAI in developing Indonesia’s future transportation system.
Through this collaboration, KAI reinforces its role in advancing rail-based transportation in Indonesia. By adopting a collaborative approach, the company aims to enhance its competitiveness while supporting the country’s sustainable development goals.
The signing of the MoU is intended to serve as a foundation for a more detailed and targeted Cooperation Agreement covering nine key areas. With a shared vision and spirit of mutual respect, KAI and Deutsche Bahn are confident that the partnership will generate long-term benefits for business, society, and the environment.
(Source: VOI)
