Before Seeds Grow, Fertilizer Moves: KAI’s Rail Freight Volume Rises 31.47 Percent

The planting season always brings new hope for farmers. The arrival of rain is one of the signs that it is time to prepare fields, plant seeds, and plan for the next harvest. However, a successful planting season also depends on the readiness of various agricultural supplies, including fertilizer that needs to be available according to requirements and the timing of its use.

Behind these preparations, logistics journeys begin long before fertilizer is applied to agricultural land. Through rail-based freight services, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) also supports fertilizer distribution. From January to September 2026, KAI transported 21,180 tons of fertilizer, an increase of 31.47 percent compared with 16,110 tons during the same period in 2025. This means an additional 5,070 tons of fertilizer was transported by train during the first nine months of this year.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said the increase in fertilizer freight was part of the agricultural supply chain, which is closely connected to community needs. Fertilizer is one of the production inputs required for cultivation, from crop maintenance to supporting plant growth according to the needs of the land.

Every planting season brings hope to many farming families. Fields are prepared again, seeds are planted, and harvest plans become part of their livelihoods. For this process to proceed, agricultural needs must be properly prepared. KAI plays a role by transporting fertilizer from its origin to its destination according to customer requirements.

These preparations have become increasingly relevant in light of the 2026/2027 rainy season forecast issued by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The onset of the rainy season is predicted to occur gradually across various areas of Java and Sumatra from late October through December 2026. Seasonal shifts caused by climate dynamics are a concern for the agricultural sector because planting schedules need to be adjusted to rainfall, water availability, and local land characteristics.

In Central Java, the rainy season is forecast to begin in November–December 2026. Meanwhile, in parts of South Sumatra, the rainy season is expected to begin gradually from late October to early December 2026. These differing conditions make planting-season planning increasingly important, including estimating agricultural supply needs and fertilizer shipments to distribution areas.

According to Anne, food security requires the coordination of various mutually supporting activities. Producers prepare fertilizer, transportation services handle shipments, distributors carry out distribution, and farmers adjust cultivation activities to seasonal conditions. Within this chain, KAI transports fertilizer along corridors supported by railway networks and logistics facilities.

For farmers, timing matters. Land preparation, planting, and fertilization follow crop requirements and natural conditions. Therefore, every party in the supply chain needs to fulfill its role effectively. Through its freight services, KAI seeks to ensure that fertilizer entrusted to the company can be delivered safely, according to schedule, and in line with customer needs.

The increase in fertilizer freight volume also illustrates the role of transportation in supporting productive activities across different regions. KAI continues to explore opportunities to use rail-based freight services for agricultural commodities while considering travel safety, facility readiness, network capacity, and coordination with stakeholders throughout the distribution chain.

When the planting season begins, hope grows for many people. Farmers await the results of their fields, families depend on agricultural income, traders wait for supplies, and communities need food every day. The movement of fertilizer by rail is one part of this long process. KAI aims to continue supporting smooth distribution so that agricultural activities can proceed and the hopes planted today have the opportunity to grow into tomorrow’s harvest.