Makassar–Parepare Railway Surpasses One Million Passengers, Expanding Opportunities Across South Sulawesi
More than one million passengers have traveled on the Makassar–Parepare Railway since its launch, highlighting its growing role in improving mobility, expanding access to opportunities, and supporting regional growth across South Sulawesi.
Public enthusiasm for the Makassar–Parepare Railway continues to grow. Between January and July 2026, the service carried 206,651 passengers, marking a 13.62 percent increase compared to the same period last year, when 181,876 passengers used the service.
Since the railway began operations, cumulative ridership has now exceeded 1,032,163 passengers. Reaching the one-million-passenger milestone reflects the increasing public trust in rail transportation as a safe, comfortable, affordable, and reliable travel option in South Sulawesi.
The steady growth also highlights the importance of railway connectivity in supporting everyday mobility. Whether for work, education, business, or leisure, easier access to transportation allows communities to reach more destinations while strengthening economic and social activities throughout the region.
KAI continues to improve the Makassar–Parepare Railway service by delivering a travel experience that prioritizes safety, comfort, punctuality, and excellent customer service. These continuous improvements are part of the company's commitment to making rail transport an increasingly attractive mobility choice.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said better connectivity creates greater opportunities for communities to learn, work, grow businesses, and enjoy tourism destinations across South Sulawesi.
"When travel becomes more accessible, people have greater opportunities to pursue education, build careers, start businesses, reconnect with their families, and contribute to the development of their communities," Anne said.
The Makassar–Parepare Railway also connects several regions with strong tourism and economic potential, including Maros, Pangkep, and Barru. Improved accessibility encourages more visitors to explore these destinations while creating new opportunities for local businesses, culinary enterprises, accommodations, and the creative economy.
Beyond transportation, the railway serves as an important driver of regional development. Better connectivity allows students to access educational institutions more easily, workers to reach employment centers, entrepreneurs to expand their markets, and local communities to participate more actively in economic activities.
As mobility continues to increase, local MSMEs also benefit from greater exposure to wider markets. More passenger movement means more opportunities for local products, traditional cuisine, handicrafts, and community-based tourism to reach new customers and visitors.
The continued development of railway services in South Sulawesi also supports the long-term vision of creating a more connected region. Stronger integration between transportation infrastructure and community activities is expected to improve accessibility while encouraging more balanced regional development.
Looking ahead, KAI remains committed to continuously enhancing service quality through innovation, collaboration with stakeholders, and customer-focused improvements. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the railway continues to meet the growing mobility needs of the people of South Sulawesi.
As more communities embrace rail transportation, the Makassar–Parepare Railway is expected to play an even greater role in connecting people with opportunities. By bringing cities, businesses, tourism destinations, and communities closer together, every journey becomes more than just travel—it becomes part of South Sulawesi's continued growth and progress.