Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto has approved a plan to procure 30 new commuter trainsets for the Greater Jakarta area, a Rp 5 trillion ($299 million) project by state-owned railway operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). 

The president announced his approval during the inauguration of the newly revitalized Tanah Abang Station in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, stating that efficient transport infrastructure is key to improving productivity and public welfare.

“If it’s for the people’s benefit, I won’t hesitate,” Prabowo said to applause. “We’ll manage the money prudently, but the people’s interest must come first.”

The government targets the completion of all 30 new trainsets within a year. Prabowo ordered that the project be carried out swiftly, transparently, and under strict supervision so commuters can quickly benefit from better service.

The expansion aims to ease congestion on major lines, including Rangkas Bitung–Tanah Abang, Bogor–Jakarta Kota, and Cikarang–Bekasi–Jakarta Kota, while enhancing passenger comfort and service quality.

Prabowo also praised KAI’s ongoing modernization efforts, saying Indonesia’s commuter trains are now “clean, comfortable, and comparable to those in developed countries.”

“If our nation builds with discipline and determination, the world will respect Indonesia,” he said.

In a broader vision, the president reaffirmed his commitment to extending railway development beyond Java, announcing plans for the Sumatera Railway, Trans Kalimantan Railway, and Trans Sulawesi Railway as part of his agenda to boost inter-island connectivity and economic equity.

“Railways are our national pride,” Prabowo said. “Please keep the tracks and crossings safe, no more accidents.”

He added that the expansion of rail networks across Indonesia would help drive down logistics and economic costs, strengthening the country’s competitiveness.

“So, we will expand our railways in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java, and Sulawesi. With railways, logistics costs will fall, economic costs will fall, and our competitiveness will rise. People’s welfare will improve,” Prabowo said.

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