DPR Deputy Speaker Pushes for National Railway Network to Enter Southeast Sulawesi

Deputy Speaker of Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Ridwan Bae, is pushing for the national railway network to reach Southeast Sulawesi Province to strengthen public mobility, logistics distribution, and stimulate regional economic growth. Ridwan stated that the proposal to construct a railway line in Southeast Sulawesi has long been submitted, and the initial route had already been planned as part of the national transportation network development in central Indonesia. “I have previously proposed it for Southeast Sulawesi. The route has even been planned,” Ridwan confirmed in Jakarta on Friday. He noted, however, that visibility studies and feasibility levels remain a challenge, requiring careful consideration before construction, although the infrastructure needs of the central region are pressing. He argued that railway construction should not be judged solely on current conditions but viewed as a long-term investment to unlock economic growth opportunities and equitable regional development. Ridwan explained that the presence of a railway would make it easier for the public to access a more efficient, safe, and integrated mode of transport as economic activity in Southeast Sulawesi expands. Beyond passenger services, the railway network is also expected to strengthen logistics distribution, thereby reducing transport costs and making inter-regional connectivity more efficient and highly competitive. He noted that Southeast Sulawesi possesses significant logistics potential, including industrial and mining activities, which require support from a mass transportation system capable of moving goods effectively. According to Ridwan, the railway line would provide dual benefits by supporting public mobility while simultaneously facilitating the distribution of industrial products, mining output, and various regional commodities. He affirmed that Commission V of the DPR RI continues to advocate for railway network development in Southeast Sulawesi to become a vital part of strengthening connectivity and sustainable development in central Indonesia. Previously, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) stated that the government plans to reactivate and build approximately 14,000 kilometres of railway lines across Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. “At the very least, to achieve a significant increase, we need to build, develop, and reactivate roughly 14,000 kilometres,” AHY said during a press conference following a coordination meeting on National Railway Network Development in Jakarta on Wednesday. AHY noted that the current railway line in Sumatra spans 1,871 kilometres, requiring a minimum addition of around 7,837 kilometres to match the population. Meanwhile, Kalimantan currently has zero kilometres out of a minimum requirement of 2,772 kilometres. In Sulawesi, the existing railway line is 109 kilometres long, with an additional 3,284 kilometres needed. He conveyed that the government is pushing for the acceleration of railway network development outside Java as a strategic measure to reduce logistics costs, enhance connectivity, and promote equitable growth.