Indonesia's capital Jakarta has welcomed a fleet of new electric commuter trains from China, marking a milestone in sustainable urban transportation. The trains, which began operations on June 1, aim to reduce carbon emissions by 35% annually while alleviating chronic traffic congestion in one of Southeast Asia's busiest cities.
The project, developed through China-Indonesia infrastructure collaboration, features energy-efficient designs and enhanced passenger capacity. CGTN reporter Silkina Ahluwalia noted during her inaugural ride that the trains operate at near-silent noise levels and integrate real-time air quality monitoring systems.
Analysts highlight the initiative's alignment with Indonesia's 2030 emissions reduction targets. "This demonstrates how green technology partnerships can address both environmental and economic challenges," said transportation expert Dr. Arif Wijaya. The rail network expansion is expected to benefit 500,000 daily commuters while creating new business corridors along its routes.
For residents of Jakarta, the upgrade brings tangible improvements. Office worker Dian Sastro shared: "My commute time dropped from two hours to 45 minutes. The stations now have solar-powered charging stations too."
The project forms part of broader Asian infrastructure developments focused on smart, sustainable cities, offering potential models for other rapidly urbanizing regions.
Reference(s):
New electric trains from China reduce emissions, traffic in Indonesia
cgtn.com