Transport Minister Hints at Railway Line Reactivation Plans in West Java and Banten
Jakarta – Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has announced plans to reactivate defunct railway lines in several regions of Java. The Minister revealed that railway line reactivation is already in the planning stages, with West Java and Banten designated as priorities. However, the realisation of these plans remains under discussion between the Ministry of Transport and state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI).
“Reactivation of several railway lines is already planned, particularly in West Java and Banten, but we will need to incorporate this into our budget plans,” Dudy stated on Saturday (28 February 2026).
Dudy added that West Java will be prioritised for reactivation first.
“It appears the line we will prioritise is in the West Java region,” he said.
However, Dudy did not specify which railway line in West Java would be reactivated first.
According to recent reports from the West Java Provincial Government and Transportation Office, the dormant Cipatat-Padalarang railway line is likely to be the first line reactivated. The 17-kilometre railway line in West Bandung Regency has been inactive since 2013.
Currently, the line is under survey and construction has not yet begun. The reactivation will not use the existing route but rather a new one. The new route will follow the Cipatat-Sasaksaat-Padalarang path and will eventually connect with the main Jakarta-Bandung line via Purwakarta.
This is because the old Cipatat-Padalarang route via Tagog Apu Station has extremely challenging terrain and is prone to landslides, making it considered too risky for current railway operations.
The new line will feature one 300-metre tunnel and two 50-metre bridges. It is possible that this new route will connect with the main Jakarta-Bandung line via Purwakarta at Sasaksaat Station.
Meanwhile, in Banten, reports indicate that the Rangkasbitung-Pandeglang-Labuan railway line will be reactivated. This line is considered important as it will unlock new economic growth centres and expand access to tourism areas.
Banten Governor Andra Soni stated that the Rangkasbitung-Pandeglang-Labuan railway line would provide benefits, particularly to Banten’s tourism sector. People would be able to easily access beach destinations at Tanjung Lesung and Labuan using rail transport.
“This railway line is like sugar attracting ants. We are confident that economic growth towards the Tanjung Lesung and Labuan tourism destinations will be easier with railway access,” he said.