Celebrating Independence, KAI Keeps Moving to Deliver Safer and More Impactful Rail Services

The spirit of independence continues to inspire PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) as it moves forward. During the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia ceremony at KAI Headquarters in Bandung on Monday (17/8), KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin called on all KAI Group employees to turn that spirit into action through greater professionalism, more reliable services, and broader benefits for the public.

Carrying the theme “A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia,” this year’s Independence Day celebration provided an opportunity for KAI to reflect on the growing role of rail transportation in supporting people’s mobility and national development. For Bobby, the spirit of independence can be brought to life through strong and reliable transportation, wider public access, and connectivity that helps drive economic activity and improve people’s welfare.

Rail transportation must become safer, more reliable, and easier to access while supporting economic activity. Independence must be reflected in the benefits people can actually feel.

The government’s continued support for public transportation development is also creating greater opportunities for railways to contribute to Indonesia’s progress. In response, KAI continues to strengthen efficiency and productivity, while keeping service quality at the heart of its efforts.

KAI Group recorded positive performance during the first half of 2026. During the period, KAI Group served around 255.2 million passengers, an 8% increase compared with the same period last year. Consolidated revenue reached Rp17.96 trillion, up 7%, while operating profit grew 26% to approximately Rp4.66 trillion.

These achievements provide a strong foundation for KAI to continue improving service quality while maintaining the company’s long-term sustainability.

Public trust must be answered with better performance. Growth must go hand in hand with quality services and a healthy company.

The company’s commitment to continued growth is also reflected in service transformation and asset optimization. One example is the revitalization of Semarang Tawang Station, which aims to preserve its historical value while creating an even better experience for customers.

KAI is also expanding rail-based travel experiences through tourism development, including The Nusantara Explorer. At the same time, asset optimization and the development of areas integrated with public transportation are being directed to support the provision of affordable housing for low-income communities.

Looking ahead, the role of rail transportation is expected to grow even further. The government has outlined plans to strengthen railway connectivity across various regions, including Sumatra and Kalimantan. KAI is preparing to support these initiatives professionally in accordance with its authority and government assignments, while maintaining the company’s financial health and the sustainability of national transportation services.

Meanwhile, the financial restructuring of PT KCIC, the operator of Whoosh, continues in collaboration with the government. The effort is aimed at maintaining operational continuity and strengthening the company’s cash flow, allowing service improvements as well as investments in safety and infrastructure reliability to continue.

Amid continued service and business development, one priority remains firmly at the top of KAI’s agenda: safety.

Bobby emphasized that the safety of customers, employees, and the wider community must remain the primary consideration in every operational decision. Level crossings remain one of the challenges requiring collective attention through collaboration with stakeholders, public education, and strict adherence to safety procedures.

Every operational decision must put the safety of customers, employees, and the public first. There is no room for compromise when it comes to safety.

Beyond services and safety, Bobby also encouraged everyone across KAI Group to uphold integrity, strengthen professionalism, and build stronger collaboration. Organizational changes and business developments should serve as opportunities to improve the way the company works and expand KAI’s contribution to Indonesia.

The theme “A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia” is also reflected in KAI’s role in delivering meaningful benefits through rail transportation. Sovereignty represents the ability to provide strong and reliable transportation. Justice means expanding access to and the benefits of rail services for communities. Prosperity is reflected through connectivity that supports economic activity and contributes to people’s well-being.

Indonesia needs stronger public transportation. Our responsibility is to ensure that KAI continues to grow with safety, service, and meaningful impact as our main direction.

Closing his address, Bobby expressed his appreciation to everyone across KAI Group for their hard work, dedication, and contribution in keeping Indonesia’s railway services running. He encouraged all employees to continue carrying the spirit of independence through integrity, professionalism, and collaboration.

With that spirit, KAI remains committed to moving forward and delivering transportation services that are safer, more modern, and more integrated, while creating greater benefits for communities and Indonesia.

Happy 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Long live the Republic of Indonesia. A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia. Merdeka!.