KAI and INKA Strengthen Collaboration to Boost Indonesia’s Railway Ecosystem

Indonesia’s railway industry is gearing up for its next big step. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) and PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero) have officially kicked off a strategic integration process through the KAI and INKA Integration Kick-Off, held at the Ballroom of Jakarta Railway Center in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 21, 2026).

The initiative marks the beginning of a more integrated collaboration between KAI as a railway operator and INKA as a rolling stock manufacturer. Joined by Danantara Asset Management, the management teams of KAI and INKA, the Project Management Office (PMO), consultants, and senior leaders from both companies, the integration aims to align future railway service needs with the capabilities of Indonesia’s domestic manufacturing industry.

Desty Arlaini, Senior Vice President of Business Performance & Asset Optimization Cluster Logistic at Danantara Asset Management, said the integration process needs to start with a shared vision across both organizations. She emphasized the importance of creating shared value while keeping customer needs at the heart of every decision.

“All leaders need to share the same vision, create shared value, and put customer needs at the center. KAI and INKA must work as one team while respecting each other’s expertise,” Desty said.

She added that leadership, trust, and workplace culture will play an important role throughout the integration process. Every decision is expected to create greater value for railway passengers, the companies, shareholders, and the country.

KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin said the integration of KAI and INKA presents a major opportunity to accelerate Indonesia’s railway manufacturing industry. As demand for railway rolling stock continues to grow, long-term planning between operators and manufacturers needs to become more connected and aligned.

“The integration of KAI and INKA is a major step toward building a stronger national railway industry ecosystem. Future rolling stock needs must be translated into better alignment across design, production capacity, testing, and product delivery,” Bobby said.

One of the biggest opportunities comes from the growing demand for Electric Multiple Units (EMUs). Based on KAI’s initial calculations, Indonesia’s demand for EMUs is projected to reach around 156 trainsets by 2040. This figure highlights the significant growth potential for the country’s domestic manufacturing industry.

“The need for around 156 EMU trainsets by 2040 shows just how much opportunity there is to develop this industry. This figure does not yet include demand for diesel multiple units, long-distance passenger trains, locomotives, and rolling stock for freight services,” Bobby said.

Meeting this demand will require a gradual increase in production capacity, stronger technological capabilities, consistent quality standards, and closer alignment between operators’ needs and manufacturers’ capabilities.

Bobby believes that closer integration with INKA can strengthen coordination between operators and manufacturers. This will help improve the planning of future demand, production readiness, and the development of rolling stock that fits Indonesia’s unique railway service requirements.

“KAI strongly supports this integration because it directly impacts the future of railway services. The stronger our domestic manufacturing industry becomes, the better our ability to provide safe, reliable, comfortable rolling stock that meets the needs of the public,” Bobby said.

As people’s mobility continues to grow, the demand for reliable transportation infrastructure and rolling stock is also increasing. During the first half of 2026, KAI Group served 258.99 million customers, representing a 7.55 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

This continued growth highlights the importance of strengthening rolling stock readiness while maintaining safety, reliability, and passenger comfort as top priorities.

“Successful integration requires consistency, stronger capabilities, and the adoption of the best industry standards. We want to build a national railway manufacturing industry that can support the growth of railway services and contribute to Indonesia’s progress toward Golden Indonesia 2045,” Bobby said.

Bambang Jatmika, President Director of PT INKA (Persero), said the kick-off marks an important milestone in an integration plan that has been discussed for several years. The integration will bring together KAI’s operational experience and understanding of passenger needs with INKA’s expertise in rolling stock design, engineering, and manufacturing.

“This integration is part of our shared ambition to build a strong national railway industry. KAI and INKA play interconnected roles, from mapping rolling stock needs to manufacturing products that support better services for the public,” Bambang said.

With closer coordination, KAI and INKA are expected to better align demand projections, production planning, testing schedules, product handovers, technology development, and quality improvements.

Ultimately, the integration is expected to become a meaningful step toward building a stronger and more self-reliant national railway ecosystem. With a more capable domestic industry, Indonesia will be in a stronger position to deliver locally manufactured rolling stock that is safe, reliable, comfortable, and ready to support the evolving mobility needs of communities across the country.

“The synergy between KAI and INKA is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s railway manufacturing industry and deliver products that are safe, reliable, comfortable, and tailored to the needs of the public,” Bambang concluded.