KUALA LUMPUR: Two young women from Indonesia who completed a railway training programme in the country today have been chosen to work as drivers for Jakarta’s mass rapid transit (MRT) system, which starts operating next year.
Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) signed a contract with the Indonesian Railways Academy (API) last year to run the training programme for train drivers.
Jakarta MRT already has 85 male and three female drivers. They are now joined by Indri Yulia Erlanita and Amalia Hasanah Nur Ahlina, both 23.
The two women said they were not worried about joining the team of mostly male drivers and were grateful for the opportunity given to them.
Indri from Sumatra, who had her training at the Ampang LRT, said working as a train driver was an opportunity to contribute to the development of her country’s railway industry.
“As a Jakarta MRT driver, I see myself as a pioneer of urban rail development for Indonesia. I am also hoping to be a catalyst for economic development and business activities in Indonesia.
“As a female driver, I am aware that I have the responsibility to prove that women are also capable of performing in this field.
“I hope that more women will consider a career with MRT Jakarta, especially as a train driver.”
Amalina said she hoped to use what she had learnt to provide the best service in her home country.
“My hope is that the Jakarta MRT project will not stop here, but will develop throughout Indonesia for the benefit of the people,” she said.
Jakarta MRT head of project management (operation and maintenance) Masum Asim said: “Feedback from the last three groups and the group that just ended the training today was excellent. Prasarana not only provided training, but also shared personal experiences and knowledge with the trainees.”
Present at the certificate presentation ceremony were Rapid Rail chief executive officer Khairani Mohamed, Ampang Line Light Rail Transit chief executive officer Abdul Hadi Amran and Academy Rail head of academy Zaki Mohamad.