Sumatra Mobility Continues to Grow, KAI Enhances Interregional Rail Connectivity
Regional development and public activity continue to shape new mobility needs across Indonesia. On the island of Sumatra, growth in economic activity, education, trade, tourism and daily travel is driving demand for increasingly connected interregional transport links.
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) is responding to these developments by strengthening rail services in various regions. Connectivity development is carried out by taking into account public travel patterns, regional characteristics and evolving mobility needs.
One indication of rising demand for rail-based travel in Sumatra can be seen in the Rajabasa train serving the Kertapati–Tanjungkarang route. Between January and July 2026, the Rajabasa carried 534,748 passengers, an increase of 32.09 percent compared with 404,848 passengers in the same period of 2025.
The Rajabasa connects travellers between Kertapati Station in Palembang, South Sumatra, and Tanjungkarang Station in Bandar Lampung, Lampung. The service has become a popular travel option linking two regions with diverse activities, ranging from economic and educational pursuits to trade and tourism.
The increase in travel demand has prompted KAI to adjust service capacity. From July 2026, the Rajabasa has been operating with a larger train formation, increasing capacity from 530 seats to 848 seats. The adjustment is intended to support customer needs on the South Sumatra–Lampung corridor.
Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded that the Indonesian economy grew by 5.61 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2026. This economic expansion is accompanied by stronger interregional connectivity needs. BPS data on Gross Regional Domestic Product by industry for 2021–2025, released on 13 April 2026, also highlights the role of various regional economic sectors, including processing industries, agriculture, trade, transport and warehousing, in the structure of regional economies.
Given the region’s diverse economic and social activities, Sumatra requires transport connectivity capable of supporting interregional movement. Strengthening rail services is part of efforts to provide increasingly connected travel access.
KAI Vice President Corporate Communication Anne Purba said the Rajabasa’s growth demonstrates that rail-based mobility demand continues to rise across Indonesia.
“The growth of the Rajabasa shows that public travel demand in Sumatra continues to develop. KAI continues to read the character of each region so that the services provided are increasingly aligned with customer needs,” Anne said.
According to Anne, rail connectivity development is carried out by considering regional development and public travel patterns.
“Railways play a role in connecting various public activities. Therefore, service development is carried out by understanding the needs of each region and the travel characteristics of customers,” Anne said.
The growth in Sumatra’s mobility illustrates that connectivity needs continue to evolve alongside regional development. KAI views the strengthening of rail services as part of developing a national mobility ecosystem through a travel network that is increasingly connected and relevant to public needs.