KAI to Install 5G WiFi on Long-Distance Trains Starting June 2026

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) will add high-speed 5G-based internet networks for free during train journeys. Collaborating with the digital infrastructure company SURGE and Huawei, the service is targeted to be available for passengers during the school holiday period, namely June to July 2026. The three parties signed a cooperation agreement or Memorandum of Understanding titled “Strategic Collaboration on 5G+AI for the Transformation of Indonesian Railways” at Tanah Abang Station on Wednesday (15/4/2026). “Nowadays, there are many complaints that the internet in trains is not good; streaming is not great, and the in-train entertainment system also needs to be improved. Working by opening a laptop during the journey is also difficult,” said Bobby at Tanah Abang Station on Wednesday. Therefore, KAI is trying to provide a 5G-based broadband network to enhance internet connectivity services inside train carriages. This is because, to date, internet services inside train sets still use 2G networks, which often do not support passengers’ productivity needs during travel. Regarding the technical implementation, Bobby explained that there will be an integration of external and internal train infrastructure systems. “So, towers will be built outside as base stations. Then inside, we will distribute using WiFi. Inside the train, there are also two connection points. One to the external WiFi for the internet, and for the entertainment system, we will serve it with local WiFi,” Bobby clarified. In the initial implementation stage in June-July, KAI will prioritise the installation of 5G WiFi on long-distance routes that are key for tourism and holidays. Although introducing premium connectivity services, Bobby guaranteed there will be no adjustments or ticket price increases for customers. “There are no plans for that yet. Because recently there was a survey stating that KAI has the highest service, and also the cheapest. KAI’s current service score is 98.3,” he said. This direct transition to 5G networks is important so that Indonesia can quickly catch up with the operational standards of railways in advanced countries. “In Japan, it’s already 5G, in China it’s almost 6G, Europe, Italy. We’re still at 1.5G, right? Below that, there’s even Tetra. So we won’t skip 3G, 4G; we’ll jump straight to 5G,” he explained.