Maglev Implementation Project; Is Indonesia Prepared?

              

             Magnetic Levitation or Maglev, as implemented in technologically sophisticated countries, is considered as the world’s fastest commercial-train operated through one centimeter suspension above a single track to allow wheel-less system for exceedingly high speed. Nevertheless, despite its alternative potential to displace over the role of airplanes for the future land-based transportation, the uncertainty and fierce opposition towards jeopardy that the train may bring have emerged to be put into thorough consideration. The first disapproval is in the high costs involved in the project implementation. Due to Maglev’s extremely high speed, sky track rather than conventional one should be constructed along one to the other stations, or otherwise, underground tracks should be constructed in the accepted standard to provide adequate protection against any possible failures or accidents. This construction, therefore, would no doubt push the government into paying out billions of dollars which is not a good idea when taking into account Indonesia’s other massive and pressing problems. Secondly, no one can guarantee whether or not the project will be run until completion. Remember, the Jakarta’s MRT project shows no signs of completion despite its much shorter-haul. From this viewpoint, as a result, the integrity of the government and related private should be questioned on the basis of great worry whether the project will remain neglected as the preceding one. More importantly, Maglev is less environmentally friendly. It produces noise pollution and electromagnetic radiation which—in years—is likely to put people into danger. Experts show that long term exposure to electromagnetic radiation is responsible for diseases, such as digestive problem and even cancer. Indeed, by any means, Indonesia is not yet completely prepared for the Maglev implementation project, and tackling Indonesia’s pressing problems should take priority before considering tertiary needs as such.