TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Transportation is targeting the development of a national railway network spanning 10,524 kilometers, expanding from the current 6,927 kilometers of active rail lines across Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua.
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the expansion is designed to deliver tangible benefits to the public by improving connectivity and reducing road transport costs.
“Logistics costs will become more efficient, and economic opportunities will be more accessible across various regions,” Dudy said in a written statement on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Data from the Ministry of Transportation shows an 8.8 percent increase in rail passengers, rising from 500.5 million in 2024 to nearly 550 million in 2025, reflecting growing public confidence in rail-based transport.
Dudy said the government is currently pursuing several strategic projects, including the Trans-Sumatra railway, development of freight rail lines in Kalimantan, completion of the Makassar–Parepare rail corridor, and expansion of urban rail services in multiple regions.
In Java, ongoing development focuses on boosting urban rail capacity, electrifying rail lines, and advancing semi-fast and high-speed rail systems. In Sumatra, projects include the development of freight and tourism-oriented rail services. Meanwhile, freight rail services for farmers and traders are already operating in several regions across Java.
“The program is already running and has been well received by the public. Freight services are available in Lebak, Garut, Cilacap, Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, Blitar, Jember, and Banyuwangi,” he said.
The ministry said the expanded rail network is expected to support more balanced regional development by connecting economic hubs, industrial zones, agricultural areas, ports, airports, and tourism destinations. It also called for stronger collaboration between local governments, business entities, operators, and other stakeholders to accelerate implementation.
“Safety remains our top priority,” Dudy added.
Read: Govt, DPR Agree to Raise 2027 State Revenue Target
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Today's Top 3 News: Why Containers Are Piling Up at Tanjung Priok Port
5 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Indonesia Opens Opportunities for Russian Companies to Develop Railway Corridors
6 hari lalu
Indonesia is opening opportunities for Russian companies to participate in the development of strategic railway corridors.
Danantara Touted to Fund Trans-Sumatra Railway: How Much Will It Cost?
8 hari lalu
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi says the government is considering funding from BPI Danantara for the Trans-Sumatra railway project.
US: New York's Long Island Railway Workers Go on Strike
27 hari lalu
Workers for New York's Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) went on strike on Saturday, halting the busiest commuter rail system in the United States (US).
Thailand: Bangkok Rail Crossing Collision Kills at Least 8
27 hari lalu
A collision between a freight train and a bus occurred in downtown Bangkok. Fatal road accidents are not uncommon in Thailand.
Mounting Casualties at Level Crossings
29 hari lalu
Frequent accidents at railway level crossings reflect the government's failure to ensure public safety.
Behind the Deadly Railway Crossings
32 hari lalu
Train accidents frequently occur at level crossings. Around a thousand locations are considered problematic.
KAI Vows to Close Illegal Crossings Run by Mass Organizations
44 hari lalu
KAI stressed that official crossings are equipped with advanced sensors, rather than just simple gate portals.
Bekasi Timur-Cikarang Commuter Line Services Resume After Crash
45 hari lalu
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) ensures the resumption of Commuter Line service from Bekasi Timur to Cikarang after a previous train accident.
Danantara to Begin Rail Electrification Project in May 2026
45 hari lalu
Director of Operations at Danantara announced the plan to start the railway electrification project on May 20, 2026, aiming to improve efficiency, reliability, and support the 2060 Net Zero Emission target.
