The Universitas Indonesia (UI) Commuter Line Station will soon be transformed into a modern, clean, orderly, safe, and comfortable station for users of this land transportation mode. As stations in developed countries, UI residents will also have a station with such standards. It will be equipped with various facilities, such as commercial areas, wider platform development, and better access for pedestrians and other transportation users.
With modern station facilities, the public can enjoy a more comfortable, efficient, and environmentally friendly travel experience. In addition, this program is expected to improve the service and comfort of Commuter Line users and provide a positive impact on the development of the surrounding area.
This can be implemented after UI and PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) signed a Head of Agreement (HoA) regarding the Cooperation in Developing the Universitas Indonesia Station, which will become the main intermodal transportation center in the Depok area. This cooperation agreement was signed by the Rector of UI, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D, and KAI President Director, Didiek Hartantyo, on Thursday, November 14, on the Jakarta-Bandung inspection train.
The collaboration between UI and PT KAI is a real step in presenting the best transportation ecosystem solution for Indonesia. UI, as the land owner, will provide its assets for the expansion and development of the Universitas Indonesia Station facilities to be more modern and efficient, while KAI acts as the operator and investment provider in the construction of the station. In this collaboration, the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) also plays a role as a regulator that grants permits to KAI and UI.
Prof. Ari said that as a higher education institution that has the vision to become a world-class university, UI always collaborates with various parties in all fields, including in the development of infrastructure that supports the teaching and learning process. The collaboration between UI and PT KAI is a real manifestation of the commitment of both parties to support each other in the development of better transportation infrastructure, especially those that support the mobility of academics and the surrounding community.
“The signing of this agreement is a form of synergy between the academic world and the industrial world in realizing a more advanced and better Indonesia. This collaboration is expected to be a good example of collaboration between universities and BUMN in supporting sustainable development. Hopefully, this project will run smoothly and bring great benefits to all of us. We also hope that this synergy can continue and develop in other forms of cooperation in the future,” said Prof. Ari.
KAI President Director, Didiek Hartantyo, said that as a train operator, KAI plays an important role in building and optimizing the operation of the Universitas Indonesia Station. By utilizing the land provided by UI, KAI will develop more modern station facilities to provide comfort for train service users and the community around the UI Depok Campus. KAI also provides the investment costs needed to build new facilities and improve the quality of station services.
“KAI will utilize the potential income from commercial space in the station area, which of course supports operational costs and returns on investment that KAI makes. In addition to the benefits for KAI, UI as the asset owner will get a station that is more in accordance with the needs of the area, which can facilitate access for students, lecturers, and visitors who want to go to campus. After the concession period ends, UI will also acquire ownership of the station, which is expected to increase the attractiveness of the campus area as a leading center for education and research,” said Didiek.
On the same occasion, the VP of Public Relations of KAI, Anne Purba, said that this collaboration is also beneficial for DJKA Kemenhub as a regulator. Income from renting State Property (BMN) such as the platform area provides benefits, while station development adds valuable state assets after the concession period ends. This collaboration is based on a mature concept because it starts from the results of a station design competition that includes the technical scope of development, land mapping, and adjustments to train service standards.
“There are various stages that must be passed in this process, starting from the agreement on the use of BMN UI to an investment feasibility study that includes the concession period and the division of rights and obligations between KAI and UI,” explained Anne.
The Universitas Indonesia Station will be equipped with various facilities, including commercial areas, wider platform development, and better access for pedestrians and other transportation users. With modern station facilities, the public can enjoy a more comfortable, efficient, and environmentally friendly travel experience. In addition, this program is expected to improve the service and comfort of Commuter Line users and provide a positive impact on the development of the surrounding area.
