DPR Approves KAI Plan to Import Used Trains to Solve Jabodetabek Commuter Line Crisis

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has received formal approval from Komisi VI DPR RI to import used trainsets from overseas to address a looming fleet crisis for the KRL Jabodetabek commuter rail system. The decision was reached during a Rapat Dengar Pendapat at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on September 23, 2026, according to reporting by Suara.com and Kompas.com.

The policy is designed to bridge a significant capacity deficit between 2026 and 2027 while domestic manufacturer PT INKA works to scale up production. According to PT KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin, rising passenger volumes make fleet expansion urgent. The system projects a daily ridership of 2,5 sampai 3 juta passengers by 2040, requiring roughly 200 trainsets to handle passenger demand and scheduled retirements, as reported by Suara.com.

Addressing Critical Fleet Aging and Production Deficits

Mr. Rasyidin told lawmakers that the operator faces severe structural constraints as its existing fleet ages. Out of 92 operating trainsets, a significant portion is nearing 45 years of service, creating maintenance roadblocks where replacement spare parts are no longer available and metal fatigue has set in, based on reports from CNBC Indonesia and Suara.com.

PT KAI stated that 87 trainsets must be replaced between 2029 and 2045. However, immediate short-term deficits in 2026 and 2027 cannot wait for local manufacturing timelines alone. While local producer PT INKA remains a key long-term partner, its current manufacturing capacity at the Banyuwangi facility cannot meet the immediate volume without strategic external partnerships to raise its technology readiness level.

Refurbishment Standards and Transition Safeguards

To ensure passenger safety and operational reliability, PT KAI confirmed that the imported units will not be ordinary secondhand cars. Instead, the company plans to source units with strong historical track records that undergo total refurbishment before entering service on the commuter lines, according to Suara.com statements by Mr. Rasyidin, who likened the overhaul process to aircraft maintenance.

During the parliamentary session, House lawmakers outlined specific directives for the state-owned rail operator. Deputy Speaker of Komisi VI DPR RI Andre Rosiade read the committee’s official conclusions, which instruct PT KAI to pursue imported non-new trainsets as an integrated, sustainable transition solution while simultaneously strengthening local industrial capabilities with PT INKA, as detailed by Suara.com.

Expanding Service Frequency and Long-Term Targets

Alongside fleet procurement efforts, PT KAI is pursuing infrastructure and scheduling adjustments to hit its target of 2 Juta Penumpang per Hari across Jabodetabek, according to Kumparan.com. These operational changes include increasing service frequency on key routes such as the Rangkasbitung line, where headways are planned to shorten to five minutes, as reported by CNN Indonesia.