DENNY SIREGAR: KERETA CEPAT JOKOWI, IGNASIUS JONAN DIRESUFFLE GARA² INI DULU

Summary

This transcript discusses the development of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project, highlighting the impressive speed and the potential cost benefits for travelers. However, it also addresses the significant budget overruns, mainly due to land acquisition costs, and the public debates surrounding government debt. The video includes insights from Ignasius Jonan, a former Indonesian Minister, emphasizing his contributions to improving public transportation, particularly the KRL commuter system, and his stance on the high-speed train. His humor and candidness are shared, alongside public reactions to his policies and decisions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The high-speed train from Jakarta to Bandung will reduce travel time to just 36 minutes, compared to the 3-hour journey on the Argo Parahyangan train.
• 😀 The expansion of the high-speed train network to Surabaya will cut travel time to just 5 hours, making it as fast as a Ferrari at full speed.
• 😀 The cost of the high-speed rail project has risen significantly from an initial estimate of Rp 86 trillion to Rp 113 trillion, largely due to land acquisition costs.
• 😀 Land acquisition is a major factor in the cost increase, with President Jokowi's 'fair compensation' policy ensuring that affected landowners receive better compensation.
• 😀 The implementation of the high-speed rail project in Indonesia contrasts with India’s failed attempt, which was delayed due to land acquisition issues.
• 😀 Ignasius Jonan, former Minister of Transportation, is credited with making significant improvements to Indonesia’s rail system, particularly in the introduction of air-conditioned trains.
• 😀 Under Jonan’s leadership, uncomfortable trains were replaced with air-conditioned models, and the safety of train passengers improved with policies that prevented riding on top of trains.
• 😀 Jonan’s reforms were not without controversy, as some people criticized the rising train ticket prices, which increased from Rp 2,000 to Rp 5,000 for non-AC trains.
• 😀 Social media reactions reveal mixed opinions about Jonan’s leadership, with some praising his efforts and others criticizing the high-speed rail project and ticket price hikes.
• 😀 The development of the high-speed train and infrastructure projects is seen as a significant step in modernizing Indonesia’s transportation network, although the financial burden remains a point of contention.

Q & A

What was the original plan for the high-speed train route between Jakarta and Bandung?

The original plan was to have the high-speed train operate between Jakarta and Bandung in just 36 minutes, compared to the 3-hour journey on the Argo Parahyangan train.

How does the high-speed train's travel time from Jakarta to Surabaya compare to using a Ferrari?

The high-speed train would take only 5 hours to travel from Jakarta to Surabaya, which is the same time it would take for a Ferrari traveling at its peak speed for 5 hours.

What are the primary reasons for the cost overruns in the construction of the high-speed train project?

The cost overruns are primarily due to land acquisition, which became more expensive after President Jokowi implemented the 'replacement with profit' policy for affected landowners.

How does Jokowi's land acquisition policy differ from previous policies?

Jokowi's policy involves paying landowners a profit-based compensation (ganti untung) rather than the previous 'compensation for losses' (ganti rugi), which results in higher costs for land acquisition in infrastructure projects.

What was the impact of this land acquisition policy on local communities?

The policy has made local communities wealthier, as they are compensated more generously for their land, leading to increased prosperity for landowners.

Why did Ignasius Jonan, a former minister, discuss his personal experience with the Jakarta commuter trains?

Jonan shared his experience to highlight the issues with non-air-conditioned trains and overcrowded conditions, explaining how he worked to improve these conditions during his tenure, including making air-conditioning mandatory for all trains.

How did Ignasius Jonan address the issue of overcrowding in Jakarta's commuter trains?

Jonan addressed overcrowding by replacing older trains with single-service, air-conditioned trains that stop at all stations, eliminating the express service option which had led to overcrowding.

What changes were made to the pricing structure for commuter trains under Jonan's leadership?

The ticket prices for trains with air-conditioning were raised from Rp 2,000 to Rp 5,000, which caused some public uproar, but Jonan stood by the decision to improve service quality.

How did the public react to the increase in train ticket prices?

While there was some public resistance, especially from low-income passengers, the reaction was relatively mild given the improvements in comfort and service quality.

What criticisms did Jonan face regarding the high-speed train project?

Jonan was criticized by some for opposing the high-speed train project, particularly due to concerns over the financial burden it would place on the national budget and the increase in train ticket prices.