Farmers and Traders Now Have Their Own Train: KAI Introduces a New Service

Through its subsidiary KAI Commuter, KAI is preparing an innovative new service designed to help strengthen regional economies. Called the "Farmers and Traders Train," this rail-based transportation service is specifically intended for farmers and small business owners, making it easier, faster, and more affordable to distribute agricultural products and merchandise.

The service will first be introduced in Banten Province as part of KAI's support for the government's Asta Cita program, particularly its goals of strengthening food security and promoting more equitable regional economic development.

According to Anne Purba, Vice President of Public Relations at KAI, the train is more than just a new mode of transportation—it represents a more inclusive approach to public transport. The Farmers and Traders Train was built by Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng and successfully completed its inaugural trial run on August 15, 2025, to ensure that it meets all operational safety and performance standards.

Anne explained that rail transportation plays a strategic role in strengthening supply chains and supporting local economic activity, particularly in areas that have traditionally relied on conventional road transport.

Based on Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Banten Province data for 2023, the province is home to more than 609,000 individual agricultural businesses. Many farmers still face challenges in transporting their harvests to markets, preventing them from achieving the best possible selling prices. The Farmers and Traders Train is designed to help bridge that gap by providing a more efficient distribution solution.

The initiative has received a positive response from the public. According to a Commuter Line Merak passenger survey, more than 81% of farmers and traders welcomed the idea of a dedicated train service. Many respondents also suggested that morning departures—between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.—be aligned with the opening hours of traditional markets.

During its initial phase, the service will operate along the Rangkasbitung Line, with a service pattern that allows agricultural products and merchandise to be loaded and unloaded safely at selected stations. The train will operate using the existing Commuter Line Merak timetable, with additional stopping time at designated stations to accommodate freight handling.

KAI has emphasized that the implementation process will be carried out carefully and systematically. The company continues to coordinate closely with the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) under the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that all safety, security, and technical requirements are fully met before the service officially begins operations.

Between January and September 2025, passenger numbers on the Commuter Line Rangkasbitung Line reached 56.8 million, representing an increase of nearly 10 percent compared with the previous year. This growth reflects the expanding economic potential of communities across Banten, and KAI believes the Farmers and Traders Train will further support that positive momentum.