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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Economy & Trade

Subsidized Trains Gain Popularity, Serving 7.8 Million Passengers by May 2026

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Subsidized train services (KA PSO) in Indonesia served 7.88 million passengers from January to May 2026, a 7.9% increase from the previous year.
  • This rise indicates that subsidized trains remain a primary choice for long-distance and local travel, supported by the government through the Ministry of Transportation.
  • PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) reported that long-distance subsidized trains carried 4.95 million passengers, while local subsidized trains saw a higher growth of 13%, serving 2.93 million passengers.

Subsidized train services in Indonesia are experiencing a surge in popularity, serving nearly 8 million passengers between January and May 2026. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) reported a 7.9% increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the continued reliance on these government-supported services for both daily commutes and longer journeys.

Anne Purba, Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, emphasized the crucial role of these Public Service Obligation (PSO) trains in facilitating public mobility across various regions. "KA PSO helps people access travel at more affordable prices for various needs, from working, schooling, medical treatment, trading, to visiting family," she stated. The government, through the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation, supports these services to ensure accessible and affordable transportation for the public.

KA PSO helps people access travel at more affordable prices for various needs, from working, schooling, medical treatment, trading, to visiting family.

— Anne PurbaVice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, explaining the importance of subsidized train services for public mobility.

The data reveals a significant increase in both long-distance and local subsidized train usage. Long-distance KA PSO served 4.95 million passengers, a 5.1% rise from the previous year. Local KA PSO, however, showed more robust growth, with a 13% increase to 2.93 million passengers. This suggests a growing demand for shorter and medium-distance travel, where trains offer a reliable and cost-effective option.

KAI highlighted that long-distance subsidized trains like Kahuripan, Bengawan, Airlangga, Serayu, and Cikuray connect various cities in Java and Sumatra affordably. Meanwhile, local KA PSO trains are vital for regional mobility, connecting residential areas to economic centers, schools, markets, and health facilities. "For many customers, KA PSO is a connector to opportunities," Anne added, illustrating its importance for students, workers, traders, and families maintaining connections across cities.

For many customers, KA PSO is a connector to opportunities.

— Anne PurbaVice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, describing the role of subsidized trains in facilitating various aspects of people's lives.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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