Throughout 2025, Makassar–Parepare Railway Served 318,311 Passengers
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded that the Makassar–Parepare railway route served 318,311 passengers throughout 2025, in line with growing public interest in South Sulawesi in using railways as a reliable, safe, and comfortable mode of transportation.
“The Makassar–Parepare railway showed positive performance throughout 2025, cumulatively serving 318,311 passengers,” said KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday.
Meanwhile, during the 2025/2026 Christmas and New Year transportation period, from December 18 to 31, 2025, the Makassar–Parepare Railway served 17,483 passengers. This achievement reflects the high mobility of the public during the year-end holiday period, both for family trips and tourism. According to her, the positive trend in the service is inseparable from the role of the Makassar–Parepare Railway in connecting various leading destinations in South Sulawesi.
“The Makassar–Parepare Railway has become a choice for people to reach tourist destinations in South Sulawesi, from coastal areas to economic and tourism growth centers,” said Anne.
Along its operating route, the Makassar–Parepare Railway provides easier access for tourists to several tourism icons in eastern Indonesia. From Makassar City, passengers can enjoy the Losari Beach area as a gateway to marine tourism and culinary experiences, before continuing their journey to Barru and its surrounding areas, which are known for their coastal landscapes and proximity to Garongkong Port, one of South Sulawesi’s strategic logistics hubs.
“This route also serves as an initial connection to other leading tourist destinations such as Tanjung Bira in Bulukumba, which has long been a national marine tourism attraction,” Anne explained.
On a monthly basis, Anne continued, the Makassar–Parepare Railway served 32,853 passengers throughout December 2025, making it the third-highest month in terms of passenger volume in 2025, after May and April.
“This trend demonstrates the role of railways in supporting the movement of domestic tourists during the holiday season,” she said.
During the Christmas and New Year period, the Makassar–Parepare Railway service contributed to maintaining smooth public mobility, supporting the regional tourism sector, and driving local economic activity, particularly in coastal areas and emerging growth centers in South Sulawesi.
The Makassar–Parepare Railway operates on the Mandai–Garongkong route covering 82 kilometers and the Mangilu–Garongkong route covering 58 kilometers, with six trips per day. This operating pattern is designed to meet the travel needs of the public and tourists during long holiday periods.
VP Corporate Communication