Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Prabowo Subianto has instructed Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono to draft plans for building a railway network in Kalimantan and expanding existing rail systems in Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Java.According to the President, railway services should not only serve passengers but also support the distribution of goods—particularly the transport of natural resources from inland areas to ports.“We will expand railway networks in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java, and Sulawesi. Railways will reduce logistics costs, enhance competitiveness, and ultimately bring greater prosperity,” Prabowo said during the inauguration of the New Tanah Abang Station on Tuesday.He noted that the development plan would include the Trans-Sumatra Railway, Trans-Kalimantan Railway, and Trans-Sulawesi Railway.Currently, Kalimantan has no operational railway network. The only rail system on the island is located in Sabah, Malaysia, and operated by the Sabah State Railway.In Sumatra, railway lines are active in North, South, and West Sumatra. In Sulawesi, a line connects Makassar and Parepare in South Sulawesi.Prabowo emphasized that rail transport should play a larger role in goods distribution, offering lower costs and safer, more efficient alternatives to road transport by truck.“Instead of relying on numerous trucks that damage roads and consume more fuel, electric trains will significantly reduce logistics and economic costs,” he told reporters.The President also directed Minister Yudhoyono and Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi to begin railway planning immediately.During the inauguration, Prabowo also tested the Commuter Line (KRL) service from Manggarai Station to the New Tanah Abang Station, accompanied by several cabinet officials.
Prabowo orders expansion of national railway network
