Penajam Paser Utara. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi reported that the rolling stock for the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) has arrived in Balikpapan, with trial runs set to commence on August 5 in Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara (IKN). Meanwhile, Hyundai and Nusantara's Authority (OIKN) conducted the first test flight of an unmanned sky taxi.

Budi announced that during the trial period from August to December, passengers will enjoy free rides. "Our collaboration with a Chinese company provides free services while we handle the construction of roads and markings," Budi said after a meeting with President Joko Widodo in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, on Monday, July 29.

The trial will feature two trains, each consisting of three carriages, operating on the western and eastern routes of the Central Government Core Area (KIPP) in Nusantara, with a headway of 5 minutes.

Budi also updated on the progress of Nusantara's airport construction, maritime transport support for development, and planned transport collaboration with provincial and IKN authorities. The Transportation Ministry is preparing an Automatic People Mover System (APMS) for movement within Nusantara, expected to be completed soon.

Additionally, the IKN Authority (OIKN), in partnership with Hyundai Motors Company and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), successfully conducted the first test flight of an unmanned sky taxi. The test, held at APT Pranoto Airport Hangar in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, saw the sky taxi reach a height of 50 meters.

Mohammed Ali Berawi, Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation of the IKN Authority, praised the test as a success after coordinating with multiple stakeholders. The sky taxi, a prototype from Hyundai’s latest model, has been parked at the airport since May 2024.

The test flight was part of a proof of concept (POC) trial, featuring an unmanned flight without passengers or cargo. "The flight lasted 5 to 10 minutes, performing an upward movement, right maneuver, and figure-eight landing," Berawi explained.

Following the initial success, a second trial is scheduled for August, ahead of Indonesia's Independence Day on August 17. The goal is to begin commercial operations of the sky taxi by 2030, with a capacity of five passengers, including one pilot.

Despite the breakthrough, the test flight was closed to the media. Only OIKN, Hyundai, Airnav, the Air Force, and the Deputy Mayor of Samarinda were permitted to attend, with strict no-recording policies enforced. Local journalist Rizki noted that media representatives were barred from observing or recording the test.

"Security personnel prevented us from seeing the test. We were kept outside the hangar and forbidden from taking any photos or videos," Rizki said.

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