M. Faiz Zaki, Jakarta – The Ministry of Transportation is targeting the development of a national railway network spanning 10,524 kilometers, expanding from the current 6,927 kilometers of active rail lines across Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua.
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the expansion is designed to deliver tangible benefits to the public by improving connectivity and reducing road transport costs.
"Logistics costs will become more efficient, and economic opportunities will be more accessible across various regions," Dudy said in a written statement on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Data from the Ministry of Transportation shows an 8.8 percent increase in rail passengers, rising from 500.5 million in 2024 to nearly 550 million in 2025, reflecting growing public confidence in rail-based transport.
Dudy said the government is currently pursuing several strategic projects, including the Trans-Sumatra railway, development of freight rail lines in Kalimantan, completion of the Makassar-Parepare rail corridor, and expansion of urban rail services in multiple regions.
In Java, ongoing development focuses on boosting urban rail capacity, electrifying rail lines, and advancing semi-fast and high-speed rail systems. In Sumatra, projects include the development of freight and tourism-oriented rail services. Meanwhile, freight rail services for farmers and traders are already operating in several regions across Java.
"The program is already running and has been well received by the public. Freight services are available in Lebak, Garut, Cilacap, Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, Blitar, Jember, and Banyuwangi," he said.
The ministry said the expanded rail network is expected to support more balanced regional development by connecting economic hubs, industrial zones, agricultural areas, ports, airports, and tourism destinations. It also called for stronger collaboration between local governments, business entities, operators, and other stakeholders to accelerate implementation.
"Safety remains our top priority," Dudy added.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2108373/indonesia-targets-10524-km-railway-network-expansio