Reviving Dormant Railway Lines Could Revitalise Regional Economies
JAKARTA - Reactivating non-active railway lines is considered a strategic step to drive regional economic growth while strengthening national connectivity.
This was stated by an academic from the Civil Engineering programme at Unika Soegijapranata and Advisor to the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI), Djoko Setijowarno.
“Railway reactivation is a strategic step to rebalance the transportation system, ensure equitable access, and stimulate area-based economic development,” he said, quoted on Sunday (26/04/2026).
Of the total, 6,945 kilometres are active lines, while the remaining 2,233 kilometres are non-active lines with potential for reactivation.
Djoko noted that the existence of these non-active lines represents state assets that have not yet been optimally utilised to support mobility and goods distribution.
Djoko explained that reactivating railway lines could revive new economic centres, particularly in small towns and areas that have previously had limited transportation access.
According to him, railways have advantages in supporting logistics distribution, especially for medium distances between 750 and 1,500 kilometres.
Shifting goods transport from roads to railways is seen as able to increase cost efficiency while strengthening the national logistics system.
Several non-active routes even have tourism potential, such as lines connecting areas with natural panoramas.
“Connecting previously hard-to-reach tourist destinations, such as routes with exotic views, for example Garut-Cibatu or Banjar-Cijulang. Providing nostalgic railway journey experiences for tourists,” he said.
Currently, the railway network on Java Island has 4,921 kilometres of active lines supported by 473 stations. Meanwhile, on Sumatra, the active line length reaches 1,871 kilometres with 146 stations.
On the other hand, network development in eastern Indonesia is still limited. On Sulawesi, the active line is only 109 kilometres, while in Papua it spans 26 kilometres and is still focused on goods transport.
Some non-active lines in Java include Rangkasbitung-Saketi-Labuhan, Garut-Cikajang, Banjar-Pangandaran-Cijulang, Cianjur-Padalarang, Bandung-Ciwidey, Rancaekek-Tanjungsari, Jatibarang-Indramayu, Kedungjati-Tuntang, Purworejo-Kutoarjo, Purwokerto-Wonosobo, Semarang-Rembang, Yogyakarta-Magelang-Ambarawa, Demak-Wonosari-Blora, Babatan-Jombang, and Madiun-Ponorogo.
Meanwhile, non-active lines on Sumatra include Sicincin-Padang Panjang, Padang Panjang-Bukittinggi-Payakumbuh-Limbangan, and Padang Panjang-Solok-Sawahlunto.