Solo (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka inspected a trial of the battery-powered tram project at Purwosari Station in Solo, Central Java, on Saturday.
This working visit is Gibran's first return to Solo, his hometown, since being inaugurated as vice president on October 20, 2024.
Gibran arrived aboard a Maung vehicle produced by state-owned defense manufacturer PT Pindad at around 7:11 a.m. local time.
During his visit, Gibran was accompanied by Director of Development at state-owned train manufacturer PT INKA Roppiq Lutzfi Azhar, and acting Governor of Central Java Nana Sudjana, among others.
Upon reaching Purwosari Station, VP Gibran conducted an immediate review of the battery tram. An official provided him with a detailed briefing about the transportation system. The visit lasted for 20 minutes.
PT INKA Manager of Public Relations and Protocol Nuur Aisyah Murti stated that Gibran undertook the visit to review the tram trial, as battery-powered trams are viewed as a potential answer to the city's public transportation challenges.
"We are very surprised by his visit, but what is clear is that he (encourages) to continue to carry out innovative technology," she stated.
Murti remarked that the battery tram trial will be conducted on November 4-22, 2024. Solo City was chosen for the trial as it has a tram track in the middle of the city.
"We are conducting the trial here. Our expectation is that it can support city transportation as a solution to congestion of motorized vehicles," Murti remarked.
Murti explained that Vice President Gibran also called on INKA to immediately finalize the battery technology test.
"This trial is in the third stage. Many still need to be tested," she noted.
