Cabinet Secretary: President Prabowo wants all railway stations modernised and comfortable

Jakarta — Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya conveyed that President Prabowo Subianto is keen to modernise all railway stations throughout Indonesia to make them more comfortable.

“The President wants all stations modernised and made comfortable,” said Teddy whilst inspecting Pasar Senen Station in Jakarta on Tuesday.

During the inspection, he stated that quality improvements would not be limited to trains but would also focus on stations themselves.

The President emphasised the importance of station modernisation as part of efforts to comprehensively improve public transport quality, including comfort, cleanliness, and passenger facilities.

The modernisation programme is targeted to begin this year.

“The target is as soon as possible; we’ll begin this year,” he said.

Beyond stations, Teddy noted that improvements were also being made to railway services. The Cabinet Secretary highlighted quality enhancements to the people’s railway service, encompassing both fares and facilities.

Teddy mentioned that ticket prices for the Jakarta-Yogyakarta route, previously ranging from 225,000 to 250,000 rupiah, have now dropped to approximately 135,000 to 175,000 rupiah.

Beyond affordability, the facilities offered have also improved noticeably. Teddy cited optimally functioning air conditioning, cleaner toilets, and a more comfortable seating design.

“So prices have fallen whilst facilities have improved. When we observed it earlier, the air conditioning was on, the toilets were good, and the seats were not facing each other. It’s comfortable for a six-hour journey to Yogyakarta,” he said.

He added that the people’s railway programme would continue to be developed in phases, including improvements to coach quality and service expansion to various regions beyond Java.

Regarding the implementation of the mudik (mass exodus) holiday travel period, the Cabinet Secretary hoped this year’s arrangements would proceed better than the previous year, which he assessed had run smoothly and without significant obstacles.

“It must be better than last year. Last year was already very good, comfortable, smooth, with no significant problems. All ministries, agencies, KAI, and transport providers all performed well. This year must be considerably better than last year, which was also already improved,” he concluded.