Prabowo Targets Connection of Lampung-Aceh Railway Line

President Prabowo Subianto aims to realise the Trans Sumatra railway network, which will connect Bandar Lampung to Banda Aceh, in the near future. Alongside this, the government intends to accelerate the development of the Trans Kalimantan Railway as part of a national infrastructure distribution strategy.

Prabowo issued these directives during the inauguration of the Semarang Tawang Station revitalisation on Thursday. He emphasised that railway development must serve as an instrument for economic equality, rather than being solely focused on Java or commercial profitability.

The President has instructed PT KAI and the Ministry of Transport to finalise the project plans, which include expanding services to smaller towns and enhancing safety through the installation of automatic level crossing gates.

Minister of Transport Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the Trans Sumatra project, spanning approximately 1,700 kilometres, is estimated to require an investment of Rp350 trillion. Funding will rely on various schemes, including private investment and Danantara.

KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin added that the project is currently entering the feasibility study stage. Construction will be carried out in phases through eastern and western corridors, with initial priority given to the Aceh–Besitang section and the connection of lines through Palembang, Jambi, and Riau to strengthen connectivity and reduce national logistics costs.