KAI Targets Net Zero Emissions by 2060, Relying on Electrification and Solar Energy
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), or KAI, is targeting net zero emissions (NZE) by 2060 through railway electrification, the use of cleaner energy, improved operational efficiency, and carbon absorption. This move is considered crucial given that the transport sector remains one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Indonesia.
The strategy was presented at the ‘Towards a Green Rail Future: Delivering a Decarbonized Railway in Indonesia’ event, supported by the UK government through the UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transition (UK PACT) programme.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that the NZE strategy formulation aligns with Presidential Regulation Number 110 of 2025 concerning climate change mitigation in the transport sector. According to Anne, KAI has established four main strategies to reduce emissions: railway electrification, operational efficiency improvements, utilisation of cleaner energy, and carbon absorption through reforestation.
Based on studies presented at the forum, the railway mode contributes only about one percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions from the national transport sector. In contrast, road transport accounts for approximately 89 percent of the sector’s emissions.
‘Railways have advantages in terms of energy efficiency and emissions. Through the Net Zero Emission Strategy, KAI is preparing long-term steps so that railway service development aligns with national energy transition targets and the growing mobility needs of the public,’ Anne said.
One of the strategies being implemented is expanding the use of electric power for railway services. Currently, the length of electrified rail lines reaches 1,038.7 kilometres, covering the KRL Commuter Line, Jabodebek LRT, and Whoosh high-speed train services.
Additionally, KAI is running various energy efficiency programmes and implementing Green Building EDGE certification at stations, depots, and operational offices. In the energy sector, KAI is increasing the use of more environmentally friendly fuels. Biodiesel usage has increased from B0 in 2017 to B40 in 2025 and is targeted to reach B50 in 2026.
KAI is also utilising solar energy through the installation of solar panels with a total capacity of 3,435.5 kilowatt peak (kWp) spread across 66 operational locations. ‘Throughout 2021 to 2025, KAI has planted 107,757 trees in various operational areas as part of carbon absorption,’ Anne added.
Through these measures, KAI targets an emissions reduction of 25.76 percent, equivalent to 166,873 tonnes of CO2e, by 2030 from a baseline emission of 647,785 tonnes of CO2e. The emissions reduction target then increases to 33.55 percent by 2035 and reaches 78.17 percent by 2050. ‘By 2060, KAI targets achieving Net Zero Emission with a total emissions reduction reaching 1,093,311 tonnes of CO2e,’ Anne said.
KAI Vice President of Sustainability Tria Mutiari Melian said the railway sector holds a strategic position in supporting national transport decarbonisation because it can serve mass mobility with relatively low emissions. ‘The resulting studies and recommendations will be aligned with the development of policies and the long-term decarbonisation roadmap for the national transport sector,’ Tria stated.
The study, conducted together with UK PACT and Kynergy Consulting, shows that Jabodebek LRT emissions are approximately 15 grams of CO2-eq per passenger-kilometre, intercity trains are 16.43 grams of CO2-eq per passenger-kilometre, and the KRL Commuter Line is 34.03 grams of CO2-eq per passenger-kilometre.
According to Tria, the collaboration also includes a study on the implementation of B50 biodiesel, accelerating the transition from diesel trains to electric trains, modernising signalling systems, and developing green financing instruments. Kynergy Consulting Project Director Rekyan Eckersley said strengthening railway services is an important factor in efforts to reduce national transport sector emissions. ‘We are proud to assist KAI in strengthening these strategic steps,’ Rekyan said.