Fundamental difference between Sarawak’s ART and Nusantara’s version, says Lee

KUCHING (Nov 18): Sarawak’s Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system is fundamentally different from the prototype used in Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara, and is unlikely to face similar issues, said Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

Addressing concerns stemming from recent reports, he clarified that Sarawak’s ART was procured from a different manufacturer with specialised expertise in the systems.

“The ART system for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project has undergone rigorous testing and proof-of-concept trials in both China and Kuching.

“Our collaboration with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) ensures that the ART is specifically tailored to meet Sarawak’s environmental and operational needs,” he told a press conference after presenting his ministerial winding-up speech.

He was responding to a report in The Jakarta Post on Nov 14, which highlighted that Nusantara’s ART prototype would be returned to its Chinese manufacturer after trials revealed failures, particularly with its autonomous driving system.

Lee emphasised that Sarawak’s ART system is designed with advanced autonomous capabilities, including autonomous navigation, obstacle detection, and passenger safety measures.

However, he said trained drivers will remain onboard to monitor and control the vehicles when necessary, further enhancing reliability and safety.

“The first batch of ART vehicles is undergoing strict factory testing and will be tested and commissioned on-site in Kuching. This process will be applied to all 38 units procured for the project to ensure consistent quality and safety,” he said.

He added that unlike Nusantara’s ART, which was produced by a manufacturer specialising in high-speed rail, Sarawak’s ART is developed by a company with a dedicated focus on ART systems.

He underscored that this targeted expertise, coupled with real-world testing and refinements, positions Sarawak to deliver a modern and efficient transport solution for Kuching.

“The failures observed in Nusantara’s ART trials were addressed early in our project through close collaboration with the OEM, ensuring that our ART meets the necessary design and performance standards,” he said.

With the state’s first ART units set to arrive soon, he said the system is expected to revolutionise urban mobility in Kuching, offering a safe and efficient alternative to traditional transport.

“We are confident that the ART system in Sarawak will be a success story, thanks to our comprehensive planning and testing processes.”