Transport Minister: Railway Network Development Included in 2027 Budget
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Transport, Dudy Purwagandhi, stated that the development of the railway network is one of the primary focuses of the 2027 budget, aimed at strengthening connectivity and improving national public transport services.
Dudy noted that the Ministry of Transport has secured a 2027 budget ceiling of Rp32.93 trillion, following an increase of approximately Rp4 trillion from the initial allocation, intended to bolster future national railway services.
“Based on our requirements, the initial ceiling was set at Rp28 trillion, but there has been an addition of about Rp4 trillion. Most of that figure is for transport safety, and also specifically focused on railway network development,” said the Minister after a working meeting with Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Dudy explained that part of the budget is directed towards transport safety aspects, while simultaneously supporting railway infrastructure development through sustainable national priority programmes to ensure the rail transport system becomes safer and more optimal.
The development of the railway network is a key focus, with plans to increase connectivity. This includes routes towards Sukabumi and the electrification of the railway line up to Cikampek to strengthen urban mobility for train users in the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) area.
Furthermore, according to the Minister, the government is also continuing the enhancement of the electrical system for the Tanah Abang-Rangkasbitung line as part of an effort to increase the capacity and quality of electric train services, serving as a strategic step to face urban passenger growth.
“We will maximise the use of that budget. This includes what was mentioned regarding the development of the railway network to Sukabumi and also electrification up to Cikampek. Additionally, the electrification of the Tanah Abang-Rangkasbitung line,” he explained.
However, the Minister did not provide detailed specifics regarding the current railway network developments being undertaken by the government.
During the inauguration of the Semarang Tawang Station revitalisation in Central Java last month, President Prabowo ordered PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), alongside the Ministry of Transport, to work on the construction of the Trans-Sumatra railway line and subsequently proceed with the Trans-Kalimantan project.
“After Trans-Sumatra, there will be Trans-Kalimantan. If it is possible to do them simultaneously, let us begin,” said Prabowo.
Prabowo explained that the construction of the Trans-Sumatra railway line will connect the southernmost region of Sumatra, Bakauheni in Lampung Province, to the northernmost region of Sumatra Island. The President stated that this project is a target that must be realised by PT KAI and the Ministry of Transport.