Indonesia Rail: KAI Commuter Expansion & Sustainable Transport

Introduction

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has approved PT Kereta Api Indonesia’s (PT KAI) commuter train acquisition project, allocating a budget of USD 344.3 million to procure additional KRL cars for the Commuter Line (KRL) network serving the Jakarta metropolitan area.

Commuter Train Acquisition Project

PT KAI’s President Director, Bobby Rasyidin, initially proposed a budget of IDR 4.8 trillion (USD 330.5 million) for the procurement of additional KRL cars. President Prabowo, however, increased the budget to IDR 5 trillion (USD 344.3 million) to broaden the project’s impact. This increased funding is intended for the acquisition of 30 commuter railcars, which are slated to begin service next year. Each train set is estimated to cost nine million US dollars.

Government Commitment to Public Transport

The commuter train acquisition is part of the government’s plan to bolster environmentally friendly public transport services. The addition of KRL trains is a strategic move by KAI to ensure safe, comfortable, and punctual journeys for the millions of daily passengers.

KAI Commuter Programme and Rolling Stock Procurement

PT KAI continues to invest in its KAI Commuter program, which includes procuring rolling stock and facilities from CRRC and INKA as part of its wider mass transport modernisation strategy.

INKA and Technology Transfer Initiatives

INKA – PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero), Indonesia’s national train manufacturer, is headquartered in Madiun, East Java. INKA is collaborating with Stadler and CRRC to support technology transfer and modernization efforts. In September 2019, Stadler and PT INKA signed a joint venture to develop and manufacture rail vehicles using modern aluminium technology at a new production site in Banyuwangi. The agreement included an initial order for 500 suburban rail carriages, with an option for an additional 500 units, and stipulated technology transfer and staff training in Indonesia.

Conclusion

President Prabowo Subianto approved PT KAI’s commuter train acquisition project, increasing the budget to USD 344.3 million for the procurement of 30 commuter railcars. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable public transport, supported by PT KAI’s ongoing investments, including collaborations with CRRC, INKA, and Stadler.

Company Summary

CRRC: No information provided in the source.

INKA – PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero): Indonesia’s national train manufacturer, headquartered in Madiun, East Java. The company designs, manufactures, and exports various types of rolling stock, including passenger trains (DMUs and EMUs), railcars, freight wagons, locomotives, and light rail vehicles.

PT KAI (PT Kereta Api Indonesia): The company is the recipient of the project, which aims to deliver new trains for service on the Commuter Line (KRL) network.

Stadler: No information provided in the source.

Technology

Commuter Line (KRL): A rail-based urban transport system serving the Jakarta metropolitan area.