Investment of Rp 1.05 Trillion, KAI Optimises Freight Transport in Sumatra

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Flat wagons for logistics transport owned by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) have arrived in stages from Banyuwangi to Simpang Palembang. By mid-April 2026, 13 trainsets (TS), equivalent to 780 flat wagons, have reached Simpang in the Palembang Operational Area III. KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, stated that the distribution process is ongoing in stages. “On the other hand, one trainset is scheduled for static testing in Banyuwangi on 20 April 2026 as part of the operational readiness stages. This delivery series is part of a total of 1,125 flat wagons to be distributed by July 2026,” Anne said in an official statement on Friday (17/4/2026). She explained that the addition of this equipment is aimed at increasing freight transport capacity in South Sumatra, particularly in supporting the distribution of strategic commodities. Deliveries have been taking place since 6 July 2025 from PT INKA’s production facility in Banyuwangi. Each trainset consists of 60 BM-type wagons with a 54-tonne capacity, each able to carry 15 tonnes, allowing one train to transport up to 900 tonnes per journey. “The BM 54-type flat wagons are designed to carry various heavy and large-dimension commodities, from containers and construction materials to coal,” Anne said. She further explained that the continuously increasing need for coal distribution makes rail transport increasingly important in maintaining the continuity of the national energy supply. In March 2026, freight volume reached 4.6 million tonnes, an increase from 4.4 million tonnes in the same period the previous year. Cumulatively, throughout the first quarter of 2026, coal transport has reached 12 million tonnes. This performance demonstrates a maintained energy distribution flow from production areas to consumption centres.