Prabowo calls rail transport key to economic democracy

Speaking at the inauguration of the revitalized Semarang Tawang Station on Thursday, President Prabowo highlighted the strategic role of rail transport as an efficient, economical logistics and mobility system within the nation’s modernization effort.

“Trains benefit the people, especially low-income people. Trains are an economic instrument for the people—a true instrument of economic democratization,” Prabowo said, according to a statement released by the Presidential Secretariat.

The President insisted that national railway operations must not focus strictly on corporate profits but must prioritize public service to foster nationwide economic equality.

In many nations, he noted, railways function as essential public services requiring efficient management while ensuring affordable transport access across all regions.

The Head of State also cautioned against infrastructure development that favors high-speed rail at the cost of neglecting smaller regional networks.

To prevent regional disparity, President Prabowo called for a comprehensive approach to national railway development that balances technological advancement with equitable access for all citizens.

“Indonesian railways must be thought out holistically and comprehensively. We pursue modernization, we pursue technology—but remember, all technology and resources exist to serve the people,” he concluded.

Related news: Jakarta LRT Phase 1B nears 60 percent completion, opens 2026

Related news: Indonesia-France deepen transport ties with strategic collaboration

Related news: Autonomous Rail Transit can be transport icon in Nusantara: govt

Translator: Maria Cicilia Galuh Prayudhia, Yashinta Difa