Under Fire Over Repeated Commuter Train Disruptions, INKA Responds
Electric commuter trains (KRL) produced by state-owned PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero), or INKA, have experienced repeated disruptions. INKA has reiterated its commitment to reviewing the trains’ technical performance and improving the products to support safe, comfortable and reliable services for the public.
INKA Senior Manager for Corporate Communications and Representative Office Nanang Agung Rohmandiyas said the commitment was in line with guidance from the Ministry of Transport on meeting technical specifications and operational fitness requirements for railway vehicles.
The regulator’s guidance and the results of joint assessments with the operator also serve as a reference for INKA in deciding how to respond to technical findings on the trainsets.
“Consistent with the statement by the Director General of Railways at the Ministry of Transport, INKA is committed to providing quality products that meet the technical specifications agreed with the operator and the requirements set by the regulator. The ministry’s guidance is a priority for us as we accelerate corrective action and improvements, while continuing to prioritise compliance with safety and operational fitness requirements,” Nanang said, as quoted by Antara on Wednesday (28 October 2026).
To fulfil this commitment, INKA is continuing to coordinate with PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia, or KAI Commuter, on the findings of trainset inspections. Technical notes and the condition of the trains in service will inform the necessary response, including further inspections, repairs and improvements based on the joint assessment.
Nanang stressed that follow-up work must be accompanied by inspections and tests to verify the results. This ensures that the completion of technical work can be checked against the applicable requirements.
“Our responsibilities as a manufacturer include following up on product performance after it enters service. We will continue to work with the operator to address findings, verify the results of remedial work and ensure that every improvement is based on the technical requirements that must be met,” he said.
INKA recognises that public demand for commuter train services requires reliable rolling stock. Efforts to speed up repairs must therefore go hand in hand with rigorous inspections and testing, as well as compliance with safety requirements.
INKA supports the operator and regulator in ensuring that trains used in passenger services meet operational requirements. In addition to work on the trainsets, findings from operational assessments will inform improvements to production processes and quality control.
Feedback from the operator is needed to ensure that action on identified issues also strengthens product consistency and reliability in daily use.
“We apologise for the inconvenience experienced by Commuter Line passengers. We understand that service disruptions affect people’s daily activities. Our commitment is to follow up responsibly on the results of inspections conducted with KAI Commuter, prioritising safety, the reliability of the trains and passenger comfort,” he said.
INKA-built commuter trains have experienced several disruptions while operating in Greater Jakarta. The trains have been encountering problems since late 2025.
In September 2026, seven INKA trainsets were sent to a workshop for repairs. They returned to service on 7 October, but problems continued.
Transport Ministry reprimands INKA
The Ministry of Transport has responded to reports that several KRL units made by PT INKA have repeatedly been withdrawn from service for maintenance and technical repairs.
The ministry’s Director General of Railways, Allan Tandiono, said he was concerned about KRL service disruptions caused by the withdrawal of trains in recent weeks. However, he stressed that the ministry, as regulator, would not allow faulty trains to remain in service at the expense of passenger safety.
The ministry said all trains serving the public must comply with technical specifications and railway safety standards without compromise.
“We are very concerned that many trains have had to be recalled in recent weeks. This reduces service capacity. But we must ensure that the transport vehicles are fit to operate,” Allan said at a media briefing with Forwahub in Central Jakarta on Monday (26 October).
“We also do not want unfit transport vehicles carrying passengers,” he added.
Allan said the ministry, PT KAI and PT INKA were continuing to conduct rigorous technical assessments to establish the causes of the disruptions and ensure that permanent repairs are carried out promptly.