KAI to Develop Dryport in Batang's KEK Industropolis, Boosting Efficient Logistics

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) will develop rail-based logistics transportation at the Dryport in the Batang Industropolis Special Economic Zone (KEK). This has been agreed through a collaboration with PT Kawasan Industri Terpadu Batang, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero), PT Sarana Pembangunan Jawa Tengah (Perseroda), and Perumda Aneka Usaha Kabupaten Batang. KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin stated that this partnership is a strategic step in strengthening national logistics connectivity, particularly in rapidly developing industrial areas. Bobby added that Batang will host an industrial zone connected to a self-sufficient city. KAI will serve as the transporter from the dryport to the port, while at the end, Pelindo ensures connectivity to global markets. “With this integration, we aim to reduce logistics costs and make them more competitive,” Bobby said. This situation presents significant opportunities for improving the competitiveness of the national industry. “If we can significantly lower logistics costs, industrial production costs will also decrease. The impact will be directly felt on the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the global market,” Bobby continued. These efforts are reinforced by strategies to increase transport capacity. With a single train consisting of up to 60 wagons, the carrying capacity can reach 4,200 tonnes in one trip. Additionally, KAI is preparing the development of direct routes to the port to reduce operational barriers. Currently, distribution to Tanjung Priok Port still utilises existing tracks with operational time limitations of around five hours per day.