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Jakarta, VIVA – Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) announced that the operation of the Whoosh high-speed train has reached a significant milestone in the history of Indonesia’s railway industry.
All onboard mechanical technician roles (OBM) are now fully handled by Indonesian human resources (HR).
Eva Chairunisa, General Manager of Corporate Secretary at KCIC, said that the technicians have obtained certification from the Directorate General of Railways as a primary requirement to receive a Certificate of Competency.
"The successful transition of the OBM role to Indonesian workers is the result of a systematic and disciplined knowledge transfer process," Chairunisa said on Wrdnesday (Apr 16).
Onboard Mechanics are a crucial part of the high-speed train’s operational crew, holding a strategic responsibility for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU).
While traveling at speeds of up to 350 km/h, the OBMs serve as the first line of defense in handling technical issues during journeys, including emergency responses and minor repairs if disruptions occur.
Kereta cepat Whoosh.
Photo :
- Dok. Humas PT KCIC
“The Onboard Mechanic training program took place from late February 2023 to March 2025, using a strict, tiered approach. Those who completed all stages of the training proved their technical capability and mental resilience, making them fully trusted to independently support Whoosh’s operations,” she explained.
Training participants included associate degree (D3) graduates specializing in transportation and railways, from institutions like the Land Transportation Polytechnic (STTD) and the Indonesian Railway Polytechnic (PPI) in Madiun.
Some participants were experienced personnel seconded from Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI).
As of now, 21 OBM personnel have fully taken over the role from Chinese technicians. Their training process involved several phases, beginning with High-Speed Railway theoretical training, followed by technical training from the high-speed train manufacturers, and safety regulation training at Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU) in China.
After completing theoretical training, the trainees underwent On-the-Job Training as Depot Mechanics for Level 1 and Level 2 maintenance before moving on to more specialized training for direct assignment as onboard technicians alongside experts from China Railway Beijing.
The duties of Onboard Mechanics are complex and require exceptional attention to detail.
They are responsible for monitoring the technical conditions of the EMU during journeys, checking operational systems via information panels, and inspecting technical components such as bogies, air conditioning systems, temperature control systems, and automatic door mechanisms.
OBMs also conduct technical inspections at departure stations, turnaround stations, and final destinations.
"Onboard Mechanics also operate the Passenger Information System (PIS), manage interior equipment, and ensure all facilities and spare parts are in optimal condition," Chairunisa remarked.
She added, "They work closely with Train Conductors to handle non-technical service issues and prepare daily operational reports. Their role is critical to the success of each Whoosh trip."
With the successful development of a 100 percent Indonesian OBM team, KCIC emphasized that mastery of high-speed railway technology in Indonesia is no longer just a dream.
It marks a real step towards independence and sustainable operations of the country’s high-speed rail system.
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“The Onboard Mechanic training program took place from late February 2023 to March 2025, using a strict, tiered approach. Those who completed all stages of the training proved their technical capability and mental resilience, making them fully trusted to independently support Whoosh’s operations,” she explained.
