Connecting KITB Batang to Major Ports, KAI Strengthens National Logistics Access

The movement of goods from industrial areas to destinations across Java now has the opportunity to benefit from more diverse connectivity options. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), or KAI, is currently studying ways to strengthen freight connectivity to and from the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KITB), also known as Industropolis Batang.

The initiative is part of KAI’s efforts to build a more integrated logistics ecosystem, allowing goods from industrial areas to move more efficiently to various distribution points and major ports.

The study involves KAI, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero), or Pelindo, PT Sarana Pembangunan Jawa Tengah (Perseroda), or SPJT, Perumda Aneka Usaha Batang, and PT Kawasan Industri Terpadu Batang (KITB)/Industropolis Batang.

And it is not just about rail. The connectivity being explored covers a wider logistics ecosystem, connecting industrial areas with dry ports, seaports, railway networks, warehouses, trucking services, and major ports.

The more connected the infrastructure becomes, the more options industries have to move their goods. The goal is to create a logistics network that is more efficient, flexible, and competitive.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said logistics connectivity is one of the key factors in ensuring that goods can move smoothly from production centers to domestic and international markets.

Industrial areas need a logistics network that can efficiently connect production centers with distribution hubs and ports. KAI sees significant potential for railways to strengthen this network, particularly for moving large volumes of goods over longer distances.

KAI’s experience in handling large-scale freight transportation provides a strong foundation to support this opportunity. From January to July 2026, KAI transported 38,648,919 tons of goods.

Of that total, 31,661,769 tons consisted of coal, while the remaining 6,987,150 tons came from various non-coal commodities, including containers, cement, fuel, plantation products, retail goods, and other commodities.

This experience gives KAI an opportunity to play a greater role in supporting the growth of industrial areas such as KITB. As production activity increases, so does the potential flow of goods, creating a growing need for connectivity to terminals, ports, and distribution networks.

Where Should the Goods Go? More Options on the Table

Initial discussions have identified several potential connectivity routes, including Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Tanjung Perak/Kalimas in Surabaya, and Patimban.

Tanjung Priok could strengthen KITB’s access to international trade networks. Meanwhile, connectivity to Tanjung Perak/Kalimas could provide access to distribution and shipping networks across eastern Java.

Patimban is also being considered as an alternative, with further analysis taking into account the origin and destination of goods as well as the needs of KITB tenants.

Choosing the right transportation mode, however, is not simply about whether a route is available. Distance, cargo volume, commodity type, shipment frequency, travel time, handling processes, and overall logistics efficiency will all be taken into consideration.

Routes covering approximately 150–200 kilometers and beyond are among those being explored. For shorter destinations, such as Semarang/Tanjung Emas, different transportation options will be compared to determine the most effective distribution scheme based on specific needs.

From Factory to Rail, All the Way to the Port

The connectivity initiative also supports the planned logistics ecosystem at Industropolis Batang, which includes a seaport, dry port, warehouse, container yard, truck parking bay, and various other supporting facilities.

The area’s seaport has been operating since 2025. Meanwhile, based on the initial development roadmap, the dry port is planned to gradually enter operations starting in 2028.

KAI also sees the need to carefully consider technical conditions when integrating the railway network with the planned dry port, including the elevation difference between the existing rail network and the proposed dry port area.

That is why the study will explore various connectivity options, both through direct rail access and other intermodal solutions.

The idea is simple: the infrastructure being developed must be connected to real operational needs, not simply look good on paper. The system must also be able to keep pace with cargo volumes as industrial activity in the area continues to grow.

Further discussions will involve KAI Logistik to strengthen demand mapping, cargo consolidation, terminal handling, first-mile and last-mile services, as well as end-to-end logistics solutions.

Data and findings from KAI, Pelindo, SPJT, Perumda Aneka Usaha Batang, KITB, and other relevant stakeholders will be combined to identify the most feasible connectivity model that meets the needs of the industrial ecosystem.

When industrial areas, railway networks, dry ports, and seaports are connected within one system, the distribution reach for goods becomes much broader. KAI is ready to contribute its railway capabilities to support a stronger and more competitive logistics network.