KAI Container Freight Volume Grows 14.57% in Q1 2026, Boosting Rail-Based Logistics for the National Supply Chain
The container freight performance of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) showed an increase at the beginning of 2026. Throughout the first quarter of 2026, container freight volume was recorded at 1,371,036 tons, increasing by 14.57% compared to the same period in 2025, which stood at 1,196,600 tons.
On the other hand, national goods distribution demands continue to rise alongside population growth. Based on Central Bureau of Statistics data, Indonesia's population is estimated to reach around 281 million people by 2025. With this scale, logistics movement requires transportation modes capable of hauling large volumes reliably, on schedule, and efficiently over the long term.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that this condition highlights the necessity of strengthening rail-based logistics systems as part of a national solution.
"With logistics volumes continuing to rise, transportation modes capable of consistently hauling on a large scale are needed. Railways become one of the options that can be optimized to support more efficient and structured national distribution," said Anne.
Operationally, punctuality performance also improved. In the first quarter of 2026, freight departure punctuality was recorded at 95.97%, while arrival punctuality reached 91.77%. These figures outperform the same period of the previous year, which recorded 95.89% for departures and 87.04% for arrivals. This consistency serves as a vital factor in maintaining supply chain reliability.
These efforts are reinforced through strategies to increase transport capacity. KAI currently operates freight cars with an average capacity of 50 tons per car, which is being progressively upgraded to 70 tons. With a single trainset consisting of up to 60 cars, hauling capacity can reach 4,200 tons in a single trip. This capacity delivers significant efficiency in distributing goods in large quantities simultaneously, demonstrating the potential of railways to reduce reliance on road transport for long-distance distribution.
In a broader context, national logistics distribution remains dominated by road-based transport. Based on the National Logistics Ecosystem (NLE) study by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (2024), Indonesia's logistics costs remain around 14.29% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This condition underscores the need for transportation mode diversification to enhance distribution efficiency.
Furthermore, under the National Railway Master Plan (RIPNas) 2030 by the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, the market share of rail-based freight transport is targeted to reach 15% by 2030, up from its current position below 5%. This target illustrates the pressing need to expand capacity and elevate the role of rail transport within the national logistics framework.
Strengthening rail-based freight also contributes to preserving road infrastructure. Shifting a portion of goods distribution to trains reduces the heavy vehicle load on highways, helping extend road service life and lower infrastructure maintenance costs.
The greatest development potential lies in Java Island as the center of national economic activity. Integration between industrial estates, ports, and rail networks is a key factor in driving container freight volume growth.
Anne added that strengthening rail-based logistics requires cross-sector collaboration to run optimally.
"Moving forward, the development of rail-based logistics needs to be supported by network integration, capacity expansion, and synergy with various parties. Through these steps, goods distribution can run more efficiently and effectively answer evolving economic needs," Anne concluded.
With the upward trend in freight volume and growing national logistics demands, strengthening rail modes forms a crucial component in building a more efficient, measurable, and sustainable distribution system.
VP Corporate Communication KAI