KAI Reports Surge in Passenger Numbers Across Five Longest Sumatran Rail Routes

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) or PT KAI recorded an increase in train passengers on the five longest routes on the island of Sumatra in the first semester of 2026. Vice President Corporate Communication of PT KAI, Anne Purba, said these routes traverse Lampung and South Sumatra provinces, as well as North Sumatra. “The increase in customer volume shows that trains continue to be an important part of life for the people of Sumatra,” she said in a written statement on Saturday, 11 July 2026. According to KAI data, the Rajabasa Train on the Tanjungkarang-Kertapati (round trip) route was the most popular in the first semester of 2026, with a total of 469,028 passengers. The 388-kilometre route experienced a passenger surge of 35.65 per cent compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 345,770 people. Second, the Sindang Marga Train on the Kertapati-Lubuklinggau (round trip) route carried 159,658 passengers. The 305-kilometre route saw a passenger increase of 8.03 per cent compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 147,797 people. Third, the Bukit Serelo Train on the Kertapati-Lubuklinggau (round trip) route carried 278,705 passengers. The 305-kilometre route experienced a passenger increase of 1.11 per cent compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 275,636 people. Fourth, the Sribilah Utama Train on the Medan-Rantau Prapat (round trip) route carried 419,637 passengers. The 266-kilometre route saw a passenger surge of 8.30 per cent compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 387,459 people. Fifth, the Kuala Stabas Train on the Tanjungkarang-Baturaja (round trip) route carried 377,928 passengers. The 215-kilometre route experienced a passenger increase of 4.93 per cent compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 360,185 people. Anne Purba stated that each route has diverse travel characteristics. “People use trains for work, education, trade, medical treatment, visiting family, and enjoying tourist trips,” she said.