Andre Rosiade and West Sumatra Governor Ride Train Together to Discuss Padang Commuter Line Plans
Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Commission VI, Andre Rosiade, together with West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi, took a train journey from Simpang Haru Station in Padang to Alai. Throughout the trip, Andre and Mahyeldi discussed plans for a Padang commuter line.
Andre rode alongside Mahyeldi, members of the PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) board of directors, the head of PT KAI Regional Division II for West Sumatra, and relevant departmental officials on Wednesday (18/2/2026). During the occasion, Andre, Mahyeldi and the entourage also inspected Simpang Haru Station in Padang.
Andre stated that the visit was conducted to finalise planning for the commuter line development in Padang. He expressed hope that the commuter line would reduce congestion and drive regional economic growth.
“We are finalising the commuter line development plan together with PT KAI Director of Business and Enterprise Development Rafli Yandra, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi, the head of PT KAI’s West Sumatra regional division, and provincial department officials. This is part of the central government’s commitment under President Prabowo Subianto to advance modern, integrated mass transportation in West Sumatra,” said Andre, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Gerindra Party faction in the House of Representatives.
According to Andre, Padang has significant potential for commuter line network development. He identified several areas including Indarung, Lubuk Begalung, Tanah Sirah, Pengambiran, Air Tawar and Tabing as potential development points.
“We want the distance between stops to be not too far apart, approximately 1 to 1.5 kilometres in densely populated areas. This way, the public can easily access the commuter train. We are also pushing for Simpang Haru to become the main hub, so that routes from the airport, Indarung, through to coastal areas can be integrated,” said Andre, who also chairs the Minangkabau Family Association (IKM).
Andre further emphasised that commuter line development is not solely about transportation but also opens new economic opportunities. Safe, comfortable and affordable mass transportation will enable workers, students and business operators to move more quickly and efficiently.
Andre expressed optimism that with collaborative effort and support from all parties, the commuter line in Padang can be realised soon and become a new milestone for modern transportation systems in West Sumatra.
“This is not merely a transportation project but an investment in the future of the people of West Sumatra. We want Ranah Minang to have advanced, comfortable and distinguished mass transportation,” Andre stated.
On the same occasion, Governor Mahyeldi welcomed the initiative. He affirmed that the provincial government fully supports the commuter line development.
Meanwhile, PT KAI Director of Business and Enterprise Development Rafli Yandra said his team is prepared to conduct technical assessments of routes, station requirements and passenger potential, to ensure the Padang commuter line project operates effectively and sustainably.