Prabowo: Railways Provide Many Benefits, Especially for Low-Income Citizens

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that railways have a strategic role as an economical mode of transport and logistics, as well as an instrument for economic equality. He stated that the development of railway services must always be directed towards providing the greatest possible benefit to the people. The President made these remarks during his speech at the inauguration of the revitalised Semarang Tawang Station in Semarang City, Central Java Province, on Thursday, 30 July 2026. According to him, amidst the development of modern life, railways continue to play a significant role, especially for low-income communities. “The railway is an economical logistics instrument. The railway provides benefits to many people, especially low-income citizens. The railway is an instrument of the people’s economy. The railway is a true instrument of economic democracy,” Prabowo said. The Head of State further stressed that railway services should not be solely profit-oriented. As part of public service, railways must be managed efficiently while still reaching communities in various regions, including small towns. “The railway must serve the people, which is why in many countries the railway is considered a public service, not merely pursuing profit. But it must be efficient, so that there will be trains directed to help low-income citizens, and thus the railway must also serve small towns. Sometimes there is a dilemma, wanting the train to be fast, but then small towns end up unserved,” he explained. Therefore, the President requested that PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) formulate a thorough and comprehensive service development plan. Modernisation and the use of technology, according to the President, must remain grounded in the primary goal of improving service to the community. “Kereta Api Indonesia must truly think holistically and comprehensively. We pursue modernisation, we pursue technology, but remember, all technological means are to serve the people. I entrust this message truly to Kereta Api Indonesia, we must invest more in the railway sector,” he asserted. In addition to service improvement and investment, the President also highlighted the aspect of railway travel safety. He requested that railway crossings be equipped with adequate safety systems to reduce the risk of accidents.