Preparations for the operation of KCJB have been conducted several times. The KCJB train set has undergone hot sliding tests on the KCJB overhead catenary system (OCS) network in two consecutive days. These tests took place on Friday, 19 May and Saturday, 20 May.

Since 15 May, initial test commissioning has also been carried out. This test is conducted to assess the readiness of all the facilities and infrastructure of the KCJB that have been built.

In the initial stage of the commissioning test, preparations are made for the integration testing of facilities, infrastructure, fixed assets, such as signaling, telecommunications, catenary, operation control center (OCC), depot, and stations. The commissioning test is a crucial part of the plan for the operation of the KCJB.

Based on the evaluation of the hot sliding test on the first day, the KCJB testing went smoothly. This was followed by the comprehensive inspection train (CIT) or inspection train journey on the second day to further ensure the readiness of the entire OCS network.

"This time, the hot sliding test was conducted using an inspection train set operated from Tegalluar Depot to Halim Station at an average limited speed of 60 kilometers per hour," said Emir Monti, Manager of Corporate Communication at PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), on Saturday, 20 May 2023.

More detailed measurement on electrical flow in the OCS (Overhead Catenary System) network is possible with CIT (Comprehensive Inspection Train). This includes its capability and stability in providing power to the KCJB facilities. The CIT is specifically designed to measure various conditions of the KCJB infrastructure, including electrical systems, track conditions, signaling, and other operational facilities.

Gradually, the testing will proceed to the phase of integrated system testing. During this stage, the KCJB will be operated regularly to check the integration of signaling systems, telecommunications, OCS, stations, and various other subsystems. After successfully completing all of these stages, the KCJB will continue with the operational certification from the Ministry of Transportation and the implementation of trial runs.

During the testing phase, great enthusiasm were shown by people residing along along the KCJB route to witness the high-speed train’s first trip the high-speed train. KCIC (PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China) hopes that the public will remain cautious, maintain distance, refrain from flying kites, and avoid any activities within the KCJB tracks.

On the test run conducted on Monday, 22 May 2023, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) increased the speed of the high-speed train test from the initial 60 kilometers per hour to 180 km per hour. KCIC CEO Dwiyana Slamet Riyadi stated that the speed increase was carried out after successfully completing all initial preparations for the testing and commissioning. According to Slamet, the previous testing of the readiness of the KCJB facilities and infrastructure went smoothly.

"Based on the evaluation, starting today, the speed of the high-speed train will be increased to a maximum of 180 kilometers per hour," said Dwiyana.

Based on the testing and commissioning with a speed of 180 km per hour, the travel time for the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train is estimated to be only 50 minutes, with the train departing from Halim Station in East Jakarta and arriving at Tegalluar Station in Bandung. However, PT KCIC will continue to increase the speed of the train to its maximum capacity.

"In the future, the speed will continue to be increased until reaching the operational peak speed of 350 kilometers per hour and even the technical peak speed of 385 kilometers per hour," said Dwiyana.

To achieve these speeds, the operation of the Comprehensive Inspection Train (CIT) will be gradually improved every day. The CIT trips will be focused on testing the integration of the infrastructure and facilities systems.

All aspects will be checked to ensure their normal functioning and their ability to be traversed by the KCJB at high speeds. One set of CIT or KCJB inspection trains consists of eight cars with different functions, ranging from track testing to wheel-rail integration checks.

Writer: Eri Sutrisno
Editors: Ratna Nuraini/Elvira Inda Sari/Penny P. Rusman
Translator: Irvina Falah