Jakarta. Indonesia's Transportation Ministry has urged state railway operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) to accelerate the procurement of eight additional electric trainsets to help ease overcrowding on Greater Jakarta's commuter rail network.

The government initially set a target in 2023 to acquire 35 new trainsets, with the entire fleet expected to enter service by 2027.

However, procurement commitments have so far covered only 27 trainsets, including 11 from China and 16 manufactured domestically by state-owned train maker Industri Kereta Api (INKA).

Of the 16 trainsets ordered from INKA, seven have entered service, while the remaining nine are still under production.

"We still need eight more trainsets to serve the public," Director General of Railways Allan Tandiono said recently.

Allan also disclosed that President Prabowo Subianto had instructed authorities to procure another 30 trainsets beyond the original commitment of 35.

He did not provide further details about the additional procurement plan, including its financing, suppliers, or delivery schedule.

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has also called on KAI to accelerate the procurement process, whether through domestic manufacturing or imports.

"The most important thing is to ensure that the previously approved commitment to procure 35 trainsets can be realized as soon as possible," Dudy said.

The additional trainsets are expected to help increase passenger capacity on Greater Jakarta's commuter rail services, which connect Jakarta with surrounding cities and suburban areas such as Tangerang, Bogor, Depok, and Bekasi.

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