Rising Mobility Boosts UMK Growth at KAI Stations
JAKARTA — The increase in public mobility at the start of 2026 is not only boosting transportation activity but also opening new economic opportunities, particularly for micro and small business actors (UMK) around railway stations.
During the period from January to March 2026, the Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Group recorded a total of 128,055,072 passengers. This figure represents a 9.97% growth compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 116.4 million passengers.
“The continuously increasing passenger flow provides opportunities for local business actors to reach a wider market,” said KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba in an official statement on Thursday (23/4/2026).
“KAI provides business spaces at stations so that UMK actors can grow alongside the ongoing travel activities,” she continued.
This situation provides more consistent access to potential consumers every day. For UMK actors, being located at stations opens opportunities to introduce products to passengers from various regions.
Direct interaction with customers also helps build trust, strengthen the identity of local products, and encourage improvements in business quality and innovation.
KAI also introduces the KAI Creative Space programme through Teras UMK, which opens marketing opportunities in strategic locations and increases product visibility.
“Business actors can sell directly to passengers while building closer interaction experiences with consumers,” said Anne.
Through the KAI Exhibition programme, UMK actors are facilitated to participate in exhibitions at regional, national, and international levels. This opportunity expands business networks and opens access to larger markets.
To date, KAI manages 490 mentored partners spread across various operational areas. This demonstrates the interconnection between railway activities and community economic development in the regions.
“Through business spaces at stations, access to financing, and promotional facilities, KAI continues to open opportunities for UMK actors to develop and strengthen their businesses,” said Anne.
“We want the mobility growth that is occurring to be directly felt by the community through increased economic activity,” she emphasised.