Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Prabowo Subianto has instructed state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) to procure 30 new commuter train sets for Greater Jakarta within one year.Speaking at the inauguration of the renovated Tanah Abang Station in Jakarta on Tuesday, Prabowo asked KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin how long he would need to fulfill the order. Rasyidin replied that he would need six months.”Six months? Well, I’ll give you a one-year deadline so you don’t feel too much pressure. It would be great if you can accomplish it within six months, but the deadline is one year,” Prabowo said.He emphasized that rail-based public transportation plays a vital role in supporting people’s mobility and must remain accessible to the wider public.”Wealthy people may use planes or private cars, but most of our citizens benefit from railway services,” he noted.Prabowo confirmed that he had approved KAI’s budget proposal for expanding the commuter fleet.”KAI said we need to build additional carriages and new train sets. Each train set costs US$9 million, and KAI proposed a total of Rp4.8 trillion. I allocated Rp5 trillion (US$299 million) for this,” he said.He described the additional funding as a reflection of the government’s commitment to improving public transportation services.”I don’t think twice if it’s for the people. We are saving money and channeling it to serve the people’s interests above all else,” he stated.Prabowo expressed hope that the 30 new train sets would improve the capacity and comfort of the commuter rail network.He also highlighted plans to develop railway infrastructure beyond Java, including in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi, to help lower logistics costs.”This is important because railway services can help reduce logistical costs, ease economic burdens, and ultimately improve people’s welfare,” he said.Prabowo has tasked Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono with overseeing the expansion.
Prabowo instructs KAI to add 30 new commuter trains in Jakarta
