Indonesia invites Russian firms to join rail projects

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is inviting Russian companies to participate in major railway developments, including planned corridors across Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan, as Southeast Asia’s largest economy seeks to expand transport links and support regional growth.

Infrastructure and Regional Development Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said Indonesia requires a substantial rail-network expansion to strengthen national connectivity and improve access across the archipelago.

With 17,380 islands and a population of about 280 million, transportation plays a critical role in linking communities, supporting economic activity, and maintaining national cohesion, Yudhoyono said in a statement Sunday.

The government is therefore opening opportunities for Russian companies to take part in strategic rail-corridor projects, including the Trans-Sumatra, Trans-Sulawesi, and Trans-Kalimantan networks.

Beyond railway construction, potential cooperation includes rail technology development, the manufacturing of rolling stock and infrastructure components, as well as engineering for high-speed and heavy-haul rail systems.

The partnership could also cover improvements in operational and safety standards, development of low-carbon rail transportation, and expanded collaboration in workforce training and transportation research.

Yudhoyono highlighted the importance of building modern and environmentally sustainable urban transportation systems as Indonesia's cities face increasing mobility demands.

He said Russia’s experience in operating public transit networks, particularly the Moscow Metro, could provide valuable insights for Indonesia’s efforts to expand mass-transit services.

Indonesia has been accelerating the development of urban rail systems, including MRT, LRT, and commuter rail projects, to reduce congestion and improve transportation efficiency in major metropolitan areas.

The minister discussed transportation cooperation during a meeting with Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin in Moscow, where both sides explored opportunities for broader infrastructure collaboration.

The talks form part of efforts to deepen Indonesia-Russia bilateral relations, particularly in transportation and connectivity projects aimed at supporting sustainable economic development and long-term competitiveness.

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Translator: Suharsana ASJC, Rahmad Nasution

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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