81 Years on the Move, KAI Strengthens Its Semakin Melayani Spirit Toward World-Class Operations

Eighty-one years of journey mark another opportunity to move forward, grow, and deliver services that are increasingly connected to the needs of society. During the 81st Anniversary celebration at the KAI Head Office in Bandung on Monday (September 28), the spirit of “Semakin Melayani” was reaffirmed as part of the transformation toward an efficient, sustainable, and world-class railway ecosystem.

This journey did not begin 81 years ago. Indonesia’s railway history stretches back 159 years to the construction of the first Semarang–Tanggung railway line, which began on June 17, 1864. From that first line, railways have grown into an important part of connecting communities, supporting goods distribution, and driving economic activity across regions.

A significant milestone came on September 28, 1945, when Indonesian railway workers took over railway operations from the colonial authorities. The event marked the establishment of Djawatan Kereta Api Republik Indonesia and later became commemorated as Indonesia’s Railway Day.

Today, that journey has grown to an increasingly larger scale. During the first half of 2026, KAI Group served 258,993,359 passengers, representing a 7.55 percent increase from 240,805,920 passengers during the same period the previous year. Consolidated revenue during the same period reached approximately IDR 18 trillion.

This growth provides further momentum to improve service quality while strengthening the company’s business foundation. Development is being pursued not only through passenger and freight transportation but also through asset optimization, area development, and the creation of new revenue streams.

Service transformation is taking shape in various ways, from improving travel quality and revitalizing stations to developing rail-based tourism through The Nusantara Explorer. Asset utilization is also being directed toward integrated housing connected with public transportation, creating a more connected travel ecosystem that responds to people’s everyday needs.

The “Semakin Melayani” spirit is also reflected in the vision of creating an efficient and sustainable railway service ecosystem toward becoming a world-class operator. This vision provides direction for developing integrated services, adapting to technological advances, and responding to national passenger mobility and logistics needs.

Three key focuses support this direction. First, providing rail-based passenger mobility that prioritizes safety, punctuality, comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. Second, delivering reliable and integrated rail-based transportation and logistics solutions to support greater efficiency in national logistics costs.

The third focus is strengthening innovation through digitalization and technology, developing non-farebox businesses, enhancing organizational capabilities, and strengthening railway sector governance. Together, these efforts are designed to ensure that business growth goes hand in hand with greater benefits for society.

The spirit of service is also reflected through EduTrain, an educational travel program that gives children from orphanages the opportunity to experience high-speed rail through Whoosh. The program, a collaboration between KAI and KCIC, was held in two batches to commemorate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary and KAI’s 81st Anniversary.

Beyond experiencing Whoosh, EduTrain featured interactive sessions on KAI and public transportation, inspirational classes, introductions to Whoosh technology and services, educational games, and participant appreciation. The program was also recognized by MURI with a record for the largest EduTrain program using Whoosh.

More than just a train journey, EduTrain introduces younger generations to Indonesia’s evolving transportation landscape while encouraging them to keep learning and pursue their dreams. The spirit reflects the railway journey itself, which continues to be passed from one generation to the next.

Behind these achievements is the collective effort of KAI employees, their families, regulators, business partners, passengers, and stakeholders. This shared commitment provides the foundation for maintaining safety, improving performance, and delivering the best possible service to society.

As KAI enters its 81st year, the journey is not simply about preserving what has already been achieved, but about continuously moving toward higher standards. From Indonesia’s 159-year railway history to the ambition of becoming a world-class operator, every step carries the same spirit: KAI, Semakin Melayani.