KAI: Interest from Foreign Nationals in Using Trains Increases in West Sumatra
Padang (ANTARA) - PT KAI Regional Division II West Sumatra has recorded a significant increase in the interest of foreign nationals (WNA) in using local train services in the region.
Reza Shahab, Head of Public Relations for KAI Divre II West Sumatra, stated in Padress on Sunday that as of August 2026, KAI Divre II West Sumatra has served 5,427 foreign passengers, representing a 6.70 per cent increase compared to the period of January–August 2025, which recorded 5,086 customers.
This growth, according to him, demonstrates that local train services have become part of the mobility options for foreign nationals during their stay in West Sumatra Province.
In addition to providing inter-regional transport access, the presence of local train services also supports connectivity to several areas with tourism, economic, and community activity potential.
“Historically, the number of foreign passengers for KAI Divre II West Sumatra has also shown significant development based on recapulated data from year to year,” said Reza.
He noted that in 2022, there were 1,007 foreign passengers, a figure that surged sharply to 4,225 passengers in 2023, representing a growth of 319.57 per cent. Growth continued significantly in 2024, reaching 10,169 passengers, a 140.69 per cent increase compared to 2023, while in 2025, the number of foreign passengers was recorded at 6,997.
Meanwhile, the achievement of 5,427 foreign passengers up to August 2026 has reached approximately 77.56 per cent of the total foreign passengers throughout 2025. This achievement was recorded in only the first eight months of 2026, with four months remaining in the recording period until the end of the year.
According to Reza, this increase serves as a motivation for KAI Divre II West Sumatra to continue maintaining and improving the quality of service sustainably for all users of this mass transport service. KAI is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, easy, and inclusive travel experience for all customers, regardless of their background or nationality.
In terms of passenger distribution, the growth of foreign nationals up to August 20lar6 did not occur at just one station, but was spread across several stations within the operational area of KAI Divre II West Sumatra. Padang Station recorded an increase from 1,071 passengers in January–August 2025 to 1,338 passengers in the same period of 2026, a growth of 24.93 per cent. Pariaman Station increased from 560 to 679 passengers, a 21.25 per cent growth, and Air Tawar Station rose from 421 to 443 passengers, or 5.23 per cent.
Higher percentage growth was also recorded at several stations with smaller passenger bases, such as Kuraitaji Station, which increased from 79 to 154 passengers, a 94.94 per cent growth; Kayutanam Station, from 44 to 78 passengers, a 77.27 per cent growth; and Sicincin Station, from 25 to 78 passengers, an increase of 212 per cent.
Specifically for the January–August 2026 period, BIM recorded 1,345 foreign passengers, while Padang Station reached 1,338 passengers; combined, these two stations contributed 49.45 per cent of the total foreign passengers for KAI Divre II West Sumatra up to August 2026.
Furthermore, the five stations with the highest number of foreign passengers during the January–August 2026 period—BIM, Padang, Pariaman, Air Tawar, and Pasar Alai—collectively recorded 4,050 passengers, contributing approximately 74.63 per cent of the total foreign passengers.
Reza added that the position of stations connected to urban areas, community activity centres, and access to tourist destinations is a crucial aspect in supporting the mobility of foreign nationals in West Sumatra to bolster local tourism and economic connectivity.