Indonesian President Approves Procurement of Thirty New Commuter Trains for Greater Jakarta Network
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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto approves procurement of 30 new commuter trains for Greater Jakarta’s KRL network to meet rising passenger demand.

Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto, has given the green light to a procurement plan that will see 30 new commuter trains added to the Greater Jakarta KRL Commuterline network within the next year. The state-owned operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) made the request as part of efforts to address the growing demand for public transportation in the Jabodetabek region, which includes Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi.

This expansion is seen as a key step in improving the commuter rail system in one of Southeast Asia’s most densely populated urban areas. With the region’s population and commuter numbers continuing to rise, the new trains will help increase capacity and reduce overcrowding on the network, enhancing the daily commute for millions of passengers.

Meeting Rising Demand for Commuter Services

The Greater Jakarta KRL Commuterline is a vital part of Jakarta’s transportation infrastructure, serving hundreds of thousands of commuters every day. As the population of the Jabodetabek region continues to grow, so does the demand for efficient and reliable transportation. PT KAI has highlighted the need for additional trains to meet this demand and ensure that passengers have a comfortable and safe travel experience.

President Prabowo Subianto acknowledged the importance of the commuter rail system, noting that while wealthier individuals might use private vehicles or airplanes, the majority of Indonesia’s citizens rely on the railway for their daily commute. At the inauguration of the renovated Tanah Abang station in Jakarta on November 4, 2025, he confirmed his approval of PT KAI’s request, which included a budget allocation of Rupiah 5 trillion (around $US 299 million) to purchase the 30 new trains.

Funding and Implementation Timeline

During the event, President Prabowo spoke with PT KAI President Bobby Rasyidin about the timeline for fulfilling the order. Rasyidin confirmed that the company could begin procuring the trains within six months, to which Prabowo responded by setting the official deadline for one year. The trains will be essential in addressing the region’s transportation needs, and the government is keen to speed up the procurement process to ensure that it aligns with growing demand.

The allocation of Rupiah 5 trillion was higher than the Rupiah 4.8 trillion PT KAI had originally requested, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving public transport and supporting the economy. The cost per train will be approximately $US 9 million, a cost that reflects both the quality of the trains and the importance of modernizing Indonesia’s public transport infrastructure.

Long-Term Infrastructure Development

Beyond the Greater Jakarta area, President Prabowo also expressed his vision for expanding rail infrastructure across the country, including in regions such as Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. He emphasized that expanding rail networks outside of Java would help reduce logistics costs, improve economic efficiency, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for people across Indonesia.

To oversee this nationwide infrastructure development, Prabowo has tasked Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, with managing the expansion efforts. This broader infrastructure initiative is part of the government’s long-term plan to improve connectivity and foster economic development throughout the country.

Conclusion

The acquisition of 30 new commuter trains for the Greater Jakarta KRL Commuterline network represents a significant investment in Indonesia’s public transportation system. The decision to procure these trains reflects the government’s commitment to improving the lives of everyday citizens, easing the strain on Jakarta’s crowded rail system, and ensuring that the region is prepared to handle future growth. The Rupiah 5 trillion investment will play a critical role in modernizing Indonesia’s rail infrastructure and supporting economic development across the nation.

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