The Government of Indonesia is advancing plans to expand its national railway network as part of efforts to support economic growth, improve connectivity, and encourage greater use of public transport. The government aims to increase the country’s railway network from approximately 6,900 km across Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi to 10,500 km by 2030 and 14,000 km by 2045, extending rail services to Kalimantan and Papua. The expansion will be accompanied by modernisation of existing rail infrastructure and is intended to promote both passenger and freight transport while reducing reliance on private vehicles.
Industry experts have emphasised that railway expansion should be complemented by the development of integrated intermodal transport systems and greater private sector participation. Recent railway developments include urban rail systems, airport rail links, coal freight railways in South Sumatra, and the Jakarta–Bandung Whoosh high-speed railway. Experts noted that future long-distance passenger and freight rail projects will require sustainable financing models, coordinated regional development plans, and improved connections between industrial zones and economic centres.
The Indonesian government continues to promote public-private partnership (PPP) models for railway projects, although investment has largely come from the state budget, state-owned enterprises, and foreign investors. Major internationally supported rail projects include the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed railway and the Greater Jakarta commuter rail network with Chinese participation, as well as the Jakarta MRT and LRT systems supplied by Japan. Industry stakeholders also highlighted the need to expand freight rail capacity to reduce road congestion and to strengthen workforce development through international cooperation in railway education and research.