The initiative aims to improve the distribution of agricultural products and other goods by offering a more efficient and affordable alternative to conventional road transport.
KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin announced the program after meeting President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace on Monday. He said the President fully supports the initiative, recognizing its potential to strengthen the grassroots economy.
“He expressed strong support because this initiative directly benefits the livelihoods of people at the community level. He also gave specific instructions to expand the train’s capacity for farmers and traders,” Bobby said.
KAI has prepared eight train units to serve the route, with schedules aligned to the daily routines of farmers and traders—primarily operating in the morning and afternoon.
The first service is set to launch in Merak this month. Once operational, KAI plans to expand the program to additional routes, including an extension from Rangkasbitung Station to Tanah Abang Station to widen the distribution network.
To ensure affordability, KAI will subsidize operational costs, making fares cheaper than truck or private vehicle transport. The exact subsidy amount is still under discussion.
“This service is meant for farmers and traders who cannot afford to rent trucks. The fare will be lower than land transport—this is our way of supporting them,” Bobby explained.
In August, KAI conducted a successful trial run of a similar economy-class train on the Surabaya Gubeng–Lamongan route in East Java.
The train is specially designed to support the mobility of farmers and traders, enabling safe and efficient transport of harvests and merchandise. According to KAI Vice President of Public Relations Anne Purba, the layout prioritizes accessibility and cargo space.
Seats are positioned parallel along both sides of the carriage, leaving a wide central aisle for placing goods and allowing easy movement inside the train.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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