Railways Drive Low-Emission Mobility and Indonesia's Economic Growth
Jakarta (ANTARA) - People’s movements at the start of 2026 are beginning to shape a new direction in daily mobility patterns. Journeys now feel more planned, with needs for travel certainty, affordable costs, and environmentally friendly transport options.
From January to March 2026, KAI Group served 128,055,072 customers, an increase of 9.97% compared to the same period the previous year. This growth not only reflects rising mobility but also shows how areas around stations are activated, opening up more economic activities and social interactions.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that this change aligns with the increasing connectivity of rail-based transport services.
“Trains are increasingly becoming part of people’s daily lives. From daily commutes to intercity travel, everything is connected in an increasingly integrated service system,” said Anne.
Alongside this, intercity movements continue to rise. Long-distance and local train services served 14,515,350 customers in the first quarter of 2026, growing 18.40% from the previous year. Events like Eid al-Fitr serve as major drivers, when large numbers of people travel to return to their hometowns or visit various cities.
At the same time, daily mobility remains the main pillar. Every day, millions of people rely on the Commuter Line for work, school, and daily activities. Throughout the first quarter of 2026, this service served 101,382,889 customers, an increase of 8.11% from the same period the previous year.
Growth is also evident in the LRT Jabodebek, which served 7,754,946 customers, up 22.10%. The increasingly dynamic activities in the supporting areas of Jakarta drive the need for fast and affordable transport. On the other hand, the Airport Train service served 1,755,275 customers, an increase of 8.48%, strengthening access to activity centres and tourist destinations in various cities.
This movement is also seen outside Java. LRT Sumsel served 1,084,242 customers, up 7.38%, while Whoosh served 1,408,815 customers, up 4.07%, providing more efficient Jakarta-Bandung travel. In eastern Indonesia, the Makassar-Parepare train served 75,421 customers, growing 66.45%, indicating stronger public acceptance of train services.
Amid this increased mobility, the way people enjoy journeys is also changing. Train travel now feels calmer with more predictable travel times. The scenery along the tracks becomes part of the experience enjoyed during the journey.
Through services like panoramic trains and tourist trains, journeys offer a different atmosphere. KAI Wisata recorded 78,134 customers, an increase of 110.10%, showing public interest in more personal and memorable travel experiences.
“Public trust continues to grow. Trains are used by various segments with diverse needs, connecting journeys in an increasingly integrated ecosystem,” Anne concluded.
This growth also impacts energy efficiency. Rail-based transport contributes to emission reductions, along with the use of more environmentally friendly fuels. In 2025, the use of B40 biodiesel in long-distance train services resulted in emissions of around 127.3 thousand tons of CO₂e from 47.4 million customers.
Entering the first quarter of 2026, with 14,515,350 customers, estimated emissions are around 38.9 thousand tons of CO₂e. These figures show that per-passenger emission efficiency remains maintained, while also demonstrating the role of mass rail-based transport in curbing emissions compared to private vehicles.
This change is increasingly felt in urban areas like Jabodetabek. The consistent growth in KRL users across various lines indicates a shift in public choice of transport modes. Journeys become more orderly, costs more affordable, and daily activities can be planned better.
The impact is also seen around stations. Areas develop, economic activities increase, and business opportunities grow following passenger movements. Connected mobility provides space for people to move more productively.
“Strengthened transport infrastructure delivers increasingly reliable services. The impact is felt in people’s lives, with time better preserved and activities more productive,” explained Anne.
This system strengthening is also supported by broader intermodal integration. LRT Jabodebek connects with Whoosh at Halim Station, while the Dukuh Atas area brings together LRT and KRL at one point. Access to airports is also easier through various major stations that are interconnected.
Throughout the first quarter of 2026, all these services show growth. LRT Jabodebek served 7.75 million customers, Whoosh 1.40 million customers, Jabodebek Commuter Line 87.98 million customers, and Airport Commuter Line 634 thousand customers.
“Connectivity between services makes journeys more efficient. Each transport node complements each other, giving the public more options in planning travel,” Anne concluded.