Millions of Journeys, One Choice! 3.82 Million Customers Traveled by Train Across Sumatra
Every day, railway stations across Sumatra become the starting point of thousands of journeys. From professionals heading to work and students chasing their dreams to entrepreneurs growing their businesses and families creating unforgettable memories, more people are choosing the train as their preferred way to travel.
During the first half of 2026, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) served 3,818,770 passengers on its long-distance and local train services across Sumatra's four Regional Divisions, representing an impressive 11.35% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The steady growth reflects rising public confidence in rail travel as a safe, comfortable, and convenient transportation choice.
Passenger growth was recorded across all four Regional Divisions. Regional Division I North Sumatra served 1,390,985 passengers, growing 4.7% year-on-year. Regional Division II West Sumatra posted the strongest growth with 1,142,466 passengers, up 17.6%. Regional Division III Palembang welcomed 603,967 passengers, increasing 10.8%, while Regional Division IV Tanjungkarang served 681,352 passengers, a remarkable 16.7% increase over the previous year.
These figures highlight how rail travel has become an essential part of daily life across Sumatra. Beyond connecting cities, KAI continues to provide easy access to business centers, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, tourist destinations, and countless economic opportunities throughout the island.
Traveling by train in Sumatra is also about enjoying the journey itself. Along the way, passengers are treated to breathtaking scenery, from vibrant cities and lush rice fields to vast plantations, winding rivers, and picturesque hills that showcase the island's natural beauty.
In West Sumatra, passengers can conveniently travel to Padang, Minangkabau International Airport, and stunning coastal attractions. In North Sumatra, railway services connect Medan with major regional cities, while southern Sumatra's network links key destinations across Palembang and Lampung, supporting business, tourism, education, and community activities.
Sumatra's 11.35% passenger growth also surpassed KAI's national average growth of 8.7% for long-distance and local train services during the first half of 2026. This achievement motivates KAI to continuously improve customer experience through reliable rolling stock, comfortable stations, friendly service, and increasingly seamless digital travel solutions.
To support growing demand, KAI continues strengthening operational readiness by maintaining its rolling stock and infrastructure, enhancing employee competencies, and ensuring every journey remains safe, punctual, and comfortable from departure to arrival.
The increasing popularity of rail travel in Sumatra also aligns with Indonesia's long-term vision of expanding railway connectivity across the country. Stronger rail networks are expected to create greater mobility, unlock new economic opportunities, and support sustainable regional development.
For KAI, every passenger represents more than just a number. Every journey reflects someone's ambition, opportunity, reunion, or adventure. As more people choose rail travel, KAI remains committed to delivering journeys that are safer, more comfortable, more enjoyable, and better connected than ever before.