KA Bukit Serelo: Affordable Transit Bolstering South Sumatra’s Economic Momentum
In South Sumatra, distance is part of daily life. Economic, educational, and social activities take place across a vast territory, with centers of activity spread across various cities and regencies.
Based on data from the Central Bureau of Statistics of South Sumatra Province for 2025, the area of this province reaches approximately 91,592.43 square kilometers and is one of the largest on Sumatra Island, with a population of more than 8.9 million people. The population is distributed across various regions with economic characteristics dominated by the agricultural, trade, and services sectors. This condition shapes a high demand for intercity mobility over long distances.
One of the main routes is from Palembang to Lubuklinggau. The distance reaches approximately 294 kilometers via the railway line, with travel times that can exceed 7 hours. When traveling by road, the distance can exceed 300 kilometers with travel times depending on traffic conditions and road characteristics along the route.
This route connects regions with economic activities that continuously move every day. Within this space, the Bukit Serelo Train is present as a service close to the community's life. This train serves the Kertapati (Palembang) to Lubuklinggau route (round trip) with a maximum fare of IDR 32,000.
The name Bukit Serelo is taken from a natural icon in Lahat Regency, in the form of hills widely known by the local community. This naming reflects the connection between the train service and the identity of the region it traverses.
This service is part of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) program in cooperation with the Directorate General of Railways of the Ministry of Transportation. This scheme keeps travel access open to the general public at affordable costs.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that the Bukit Serelo Train has a close role in the community's activities in South Sumatra.
"The Bukit Serelo Train serves long-distance travel which is a daily necessity for the community. The affordable fare gives people room to remain productive and maintain economic activity," Anne said.
The development of the Bukit Serelo Train service is reflected in the growth of passenger numbers. In the first quarter of 2026, the number of passengers reached 141,122, an increase compared to the same period in 2025 which recorded 131,494 passengers.
The increase of about 7.32% reinforces the upward trend in public interest in this service. This figure simultaneously confirms that the Kertapati–Lubuklinggau route continues to be an important part of community movement.
The Bukit Serelo Train passes through regions such as Prabumulih, Muara Enim, and Lahat, which have economic activities based on natural resources, trade, and services. This route serves as a connector that maintains the continuity of interregional activities.
Maintained travel access makes community mobility more predictable. Workers reach centers of activity, students have consistent travel choices, and people can travel intercity more regularly according to their needs.
From an expenditure standpoint, travel cost efficiency provides room for other needs such as education, healthcare, and business development. This has a direct impact on the economic activities of the community along the route.
Aside from its mobility function, the journey of the Bukit Serelo Train also crosses the distinctive natural landscape of South Sumatra. The Lahat region and its surroundings offer expanses of hills, river streams, and the life of local communities growing around them. This potential opens up opportunities for domestic tourism movement that continues to grow.
KAI views that rail-based transportation plays an important role in regions with long intercity distances. Large transport capacity and more stable travel times provide certainty for the community in carrying out their activities.
Strengthening railway services in Sumatra becomes an increasingly relevant step along with growing mobility needs. With an increasingly connected network and growing capacity, the benefits will be felt more widely by the community.
"Reliable transport infrastructure gives a direct impact on people's lives. Activities run more regularly, time is better managed, and productivity can increase," Anne concluded.
The Bukit Serelo Train becomes part of that system. On the long route, this service keeps community movement running, while connecting economic and social activities as well as regional potentials in South Sumatra.
VP Corporate Communication KAI