Indonesia expands national railway network to 10,524 kilometers

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is aggressively expanding its national railway network to 10,524 kilometers under a major infrastructure push aimed at slashing logistics costs, reducing road congestion, and bridging regional economic gaps.

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi confirmed Friday, June 12, that the accelerated expansion aligns directly with directives from President Prabowo Subianto, who has framed a modern rail system as a hallmark of a developed nation.

According to ministry data, public trust in rail-based transportation continues to show a positive trend. The number of train passengers increased by 8.8 percent, rising from 500.5 million passengers in 2024 to nearly 550 million in 2025.

"This increase demonstrates the public's growing trust in rail-based transportation," Purwagandhi noted in his statement.

Indonesia’s active rail network currently spans 6,927 kilometers across Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua.

Under the new strategic blueprint, the focus is on network development that aligns with the distinct economic characteristics of each region.

On the densely populated island of Java, efforts focus heavily on upgrading urban transit capacity, expanding line electrification and constructing semi-high-speed and high-speed rail networks to ease passenger congestion.

Meanwhile, development in Sumatra centers on fast-tracking the Trans-Sumatra network. This project is designed to balance high-volume passenger mobility with heavy freight transportation.

In contrast, the strategy for Kalimantan focuses strictly on industrial efficiency through the construction of specialized logistics corridors designed to streamline the distribution of primary commodities.

Concurrently, in Sulawesi and Papua, engineers are focusing on finalizing the landmark Makassar-Parepare line and laying down new track to anchor regional economic activity.

In a progress report delivered to President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday, June 11, Purwagandhi highlighted the strategic role of logistics and tourist trains.

While logistics trains aim to reduce road congestion and lower distribution costs, tourist trains are designed to unlock local economic value.

Furthermore, the minister reported on the successful implementation of dedicated train carriage services tailored for farmers and traders.

"This program is already underway and has been well received by the public. These carriage services are available in Lebak, Garut, Cilacap, Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, Blitar, Jember and Banyuwangi," Purwagandhi explained.

The minister emphasized that a robust railway network will support equitable development by connecting economic hubs, industrial zones, agricultural areas, ports, airports and tourist destinations.

To ensure rapid and sustainable development, Purwagandhi urged active involvement from local governments, business entities, operators and all relevant stakeholders, while maintaining a strict focus on transit safety.

"The presence of an increasingly extensive rail network is expected to improve the quality of life for the community, strengthen national competitiveness and support the realization of a more advanced and connected Indonesia," he concluded.

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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa

Editor: Arie Novarina

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