Makassar - Parepare logistics train to launch trial in October 2024
This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Investor Daily - KA logistik Makassar - Parepare diuji coba Oktober 2024
By Ichsan Amin
Makassar, ID – The Transportation Ministry aims to conduct a trial operation of a freight train to Garongkong Port in Barru Regency, South Sulawesi, via the Makassar-Parepare route this year.
Railways Director General of the Transportation Ministry Risal Wasal said that the operation of a freight train from and to Garongkong Port would implement the rolling highway system to deliver goods from factories to the port.
“We are aiming to launch a trial run this year, possibly in October. The rolling highway system will cover 108 kilometres from Rammang-Rammang Station to Garongkong. Rammang-Rammang Station is surrounded by dry ports, enabling goods to be transported directly from there to Garongkong Station,” Risal said to the media in Makassar, South Sulawesi on Thursday (13/6/2024).
Risal explained that cargo trucks could board ships, so they are more efficient socially and economically.
“We will directly transport the trucks to the port, allowing them to board the ships. This service is especially useful for transporting goods such as cement or other industrial raw materials to the port,” he explained.
Risal said that, in the initial phase, there would be 20 flatcars carrying 40 cargo trucks. Risal mentioned that the concept would positively impact several aspects.
The impacts will include reduced traffic congestion, which will prevent road damage and reduce the need for layoffs among factory drivers. Additionally, Risal mentioned that trucks boarding the train will be closely monitored, with strict regulations against overdimensional and overloaded (ODOL) trucks.
“No traffic congestion means fewer damaged roads. This will also lead to a reduction in environmental impact, as pollution will decrease due to reduced traffic congestion. With fewer trucks on the move, pollution levels will decrease,” Risal explained.
Risal mentioned that several industries in Sulawesi, such as cement factories, could utilise this system. However, the Transportation Ministry is targeting the rolling highway to be utilised to also transport plantation products.
The Transportation Ministry has named the operator of the logistics transportation as Kereta Api Indonesia Timur. However, the government has not yet disclosed the investment value or which companies will participate in the consortium.
“An operator has been established for the freight transportation, called Kereta Api Indonesia Timur. The operator is ready. The concept, pattern, and financing have also been prepared. Specific numbers are still under discussion in business-to-business (B2B) negotiations between the operator and cargo owners regarding costs,” he added.
Makassar Seaport Authority (KSOP) Head Sahatua P. Simatupang added that, in the future, the logistics sector in Makassar Port would be more efficient with the operation of the Makassar-Parepare freight train.
“Moreover, if the station connecting Mandai Station is connected to Makassar Port or Makassar New Port. There are two more stations connecting Maros and Makassar through the Makassar-Parepare route. We expect the logistics sector to be livelier when it is complete,” he stated.
Open a new shipping route
Meanwhile, South Sulawesi Provincial Government is focused on opening a new shipping route through Garongkong Port in Barru Regency to Kalimantan, strengthening the position of Nusantara Capital City (IKN).
“Currently, the proposal to open the new route has been submitted to the Sea Transportation Directorate General of the Transportation Ministry,” South Sulawesi Transportation Agency Head Andi Erwin Terwo said recently.
Andi Erwin explained that the development of Barru Regency was the target of South Sulawesi Provincial Government. He expects the plan to open a new route will advance the development.
He is also optimistic about Barru Regency advancing further with the current development plan.
“I am also asking the Transportation Agency to not see us as the 25th region in South Sulawesi, but as the main region,” he explained.
Erwin stated several transportation challenges in South Sulawesi, especially in the shipping sector. According to him, public ports currently lack attention from the central government. There are many ships operating in South Sulawesi that have not seen significant development.
The Makassar-Parepare route is the first railway route in Sulawesi, spanning 145 kilometres. The Makassar-Parepare route is the first stage of the development of the Trans-Sulawesi railway route.
The government, through the Railways Directorate General of the Transportation Ministry, has commenced operations on the Makassar-Parepare railway route, spanning from Mandai Station, Maros Station, Rammang Rammang Station, Pangkajene Station, Labakkang Station, Ma’rang Station, Mandalle Station, Tanete Rilau Station, Barru Station, to Garongkong Station.
The railway route was originally a single-track line, but the prepared land can accommodate a double-track railway. The route is planned to include 17 stations that will serve as stops. Currently, passenger occupancy ranges from 50% to 70% on weekends.
The route is planned to be fully completed in 2026. In the future, the government is targeting the Trans-Sulawesi railway route to be connected to North Sulawesi and Gorontalo. In the middle, it is set to be connected to Palu in Central Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi.
“All of these aspects have been incorporated into the railway master plan. The implementation will be long-term, involving land acquisition and other preparations. The government will fund current facilities and infrastructure through the state budget (APBN),” Risal added.
