Java and Sumatra Drive KAI’s Freight Logistics
Jakarta (ANTARA) — The movement of goods in Indonesia reflects the needs of each region. Industrial areas require supplies of raw materials, distribution centres need reliable deliveries, while various regions serve as origins or destinations for commodities that support economic activity. Connecting these needs requires freight transport capable of handling large volumes and matching delivery patterns to the characteristics of each region.
Rail is one of the modes used to transport a range of non-coal commodities across networks in Java and Sumatra. The services cover industrial goods, containers, fuel, plantation products and retail goods.
According to PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI)’s freight performance report for January to September 2026, non-coal freight volume reached 9,148,571 tonnes. This was a 2.6 per cent increase on the 8,912,566 tonnes recorded in the same period in 2025.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communications Anne Purba said freight distribution patterns vary between regions, meaning that services must be managed with regard to customer needs, route readiness and operational capacity.
“Each region has different economic activities and distribution needs. Some areas require deliveries of industrial materials, while other routes carry plantation products and consumer goods. The rail network helps connect these needs through freight services tailored to the characteristics of each corridor,” Anne said.
Of the total non-coal freight volume, KAI’s operating areas in Java recorded 6,684,683 tonnes between January and September 2026. Sumatra accounted for 2,463,889 tonnes. This means around 73 per cent of non-coal freight came from Java and 27 per cent from Sumatra.
In Java, freight services operate across nine operational areas. Operational Area 1 Jakarta recorded the largest volume, at 2,567,115 tonnes, followed by Operational Area 8 Surabaya with 2,260,233 tonnes and Operational Area 5 Purwokerto with 1,006,418 tonnes. The other operational areas also serve a range of shipping needs specific to their respective regions.
In Sumatra, non-coal freight services are managed through four regional divisions. Regional Division III Palembang recorded 646,893 tonnes, Regional Division I North Sumatra 626,185 tonnes, Regional Division II West Sumatra 893,635 tonnes, and Regional Division IV Tanjungkarang 297,175 tonnes between January and September 2026.
Anne said the distribution highlights the importance of managing services according to regional needs. The readiness of rolling stock, route capacity, loading and unloading facilities, and schedule reliability all form part of planning to ensure goods move in line with customer requirements.
“Freight service development needs to start with an understanding of customer needs and each region’s potential. When train capacity, infrastructure readiness and delivery patterns are planned properly, rail-based transport has room to serve more distribution needs,” Anne said.
KAI will continue to assess opportunities to develop freight services based on regional potential, industrial demand and network readiness. The services are being developed to make rail transport an increasingly relevant option for businesses planning interregional goods distribution.
“Every region has a role in the movement of national logistics. KAI wants to ensure that its network and freight services can be used according to customer needs, with measured planning and reliable operations,” Anne concluded.