Flat Wagons Gradually Arrive in South Sumatra, KAI Strengthens National Energy Distribution and Supports Domestic Products
Palembang (ANTARA) - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues the delivery of flat wagons as part of strengthening national logistics services and as a tangible form of support for domestic products. By mid-April 2026, 13 trainsets (TS) or the equivalent of 780 flat wagon units have arrived at Simpang, Divre III Palembang.
The distribution process is ongoing in stages. Currently, one trainset (60 flat wagons) is undergoing unloading at the site, while another trainset is en route from Banyuwangi to Simpang Palembang. Meanwhile, one trainset is scheduled for static testing in Banyuwangi on 20 April 2026 as part of the operational readiness phase.
This series of deliveries is part of a total of 1,125 flat wagon units to be distributed by July 2026. The addition of this equipment is aimed at increasing freight transport capacity in southern Sumatra, particularly in supporting the distribution of strategic commodities.
Deliveries have been taking place since 6 July 2025 from the production facility of PT INKA in Banyuwangi. All wagons are produced domestically with a high domestic component level (TKDN), reflecting KAI’s commitment to promoting national industrial self-reliance and strengthening Indonesia’s railway manufacturing ecosystem. Each trainset consists of 60 BM 54-tonne flat wagons with a 15-tonne load capacity per unit, enabling one trainset to carry up to 900 tonnes in a single journey.
The BM 54 flat wagon type is designed to transport various heavy and large-dimension commodities, from containers and construction materials to coal. The growing demand for coal distribution underscores the increasing importance of rail transport in maintaining the continuity of national energy supplies.
In line with this, KAI has recorded continuous growth in coal transport performance. In March 2026, the volume reached 4,634,929 tonnes, an increase from the same period the previous year of 4,436,996 tonnes. Cumulatively for the first quarter of 2026, coal transport has reached 12,075,002 tonnes.
This performance demonstrates a maintained flow of energy distribution from production areas to consumption centres. This movement forms part of the system supporting electricity supplies for communities and industries across various regions.
“We are directing the strengthening of freight transport equipment to ensure the consistent and timely distribution of strategic commodities, including coal for power plants. On the other hand, the use of domestic products is an important part in creating added value for the national industry,” said KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba.
The Rp1.05 trillion investment allocated for procuring 1,125 wagons represents a strategic step in enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of rail-based freight transport, while also reinforcing support for domestic products. This development direction also supports the shift of logistics distribution to more efficient and low-emission modes.
“This procurement is part of KAI’s long-term steps towards achieving the 2029 RJPP target, where coal transport is targeted at 111.2 million tonnes and non-coal freight at 10.9 million tonnes. We are also ensuring that this equipment strengthening aligns with efforts to promote the domestic industry to become increasingly competitive,” explained Anne.
“Through this equipment strengthening, KAI continues to expand its role in the national logistics system. Every delivery that takes place, besides ensuring the smooth distribution of goods and energy supplies, also forms part of the support for national industrial progress,” Anne concluded.