Palembang’s LRT: A Rollercoaster Before the Asian Games
Why the City’s Racing Transit Is Making Headlines
The South Sumatra Light Rapid Transit (LRT) is gearing up to run smoothly just a few days before the Asian Games kicks off. Hundreds of athletes, officials, and thrill‑seeking visitors are heading to Palembang—co-host of the Games with Jakarta—so any hiccup could turn a show‑stopper into a traffic jam nightmare.
What Went Wrong (And How It Feels)
- Short‑circuit mishap – a power surge knocked out part of the system on Sunday, forcing trains to halt and passengers to alight between stations. Imagine being stuck halfway through a music concert only to have the lights go out!
- Signal shuffle – earlier that week, interference with the signaling system turned the LRT into a “you queue first” game, which frustratingly ground the service for a bit.
Transport Ministry’s Quick Fix Plan
Transportation Minister Zulfikri (yes, he has only one official name, which is common in Indonesia) said the ministry will immediately evaluate the entire operation of the LRT. He hopes this deep‑dive will surface a quick fix and get the trains humming nicely for the Games.
Down‑The‑Road Challenges (But We’re Ready)
- Terrorism and street crime concerns are being wrestled away.
- Venue completion is on track.
- Jakarta’s infamous traffic? Rub it out. The team says it’s ready to roll from 18 August to 2 September.
Lights, Camera, Action: The Games Are About to Begin
Palembang and Jakarta will host about 11,000 athletes and 5,000 officials from 45 Asian countries. Indonesia had less time to prep than most hosts—only agreeing to host four years ago after Vietnam pulled out—but the spirit is high, and the LRT is the behind‑the‑scenes hero they’re hoping to keep running like a well‑tuned Oscar‑winning soundtrack.
