Indonesia Accelerates National Railway Network Development

Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation is pushing forward with the expansion of the national railway network, aiming to strengthen connections between regions and foster more equitable economic growth. Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi announced the initiative following a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, emphasizing that the railways are a cornerstone of a modern society and a hallmark of developed nations.

Purwagandhi highlighted that the railway development aims to enhance public mobility, bolster the national logistics system, and provide safer, more efficient, and sustainable public transportation. This effort is also part of the government's strategy to reduce the cost of goods distribution and alleviate the burden on road transport.

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This step is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive, which places railways as the foundation of a modern society and one of the characteristics of a developed country.

"The development of the national railway network is not merely about building transportation infrastructure, but also about delivering tangible benefits to the community through improved accessibility, more efficient logistics costs, and increasingly open economic opportunities in various regions," Purwagandhi stated.

The ministry noted a significant increase in rail passengers, rising 8.8 percent from 500.5 million in 2024 to nearly 550 million in 2025, indicating growing public trust in rail transport. Currently, the active national rail network spans approximately 6,927 kilometers across Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua. The government plans to expand this network to 10,524 kilometers, including urban lines crucial for public mobility, with development tailored to regional characteristics.

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The development of the national railway network is not merely about building transportation infrastructure, but also about delivering tangible benefits to the community through improved accessibility, more efficient logistics costs, and increasingly open economic opportunities in various regions.