Optimizing Subsidized Fuel Strengthens National Mobility and Logistics Distribution
Amid increasing public mobility and national logistics distribution needs, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues to optimize the measured utilization of subsidized fuel to support safe, affordable, and sustainable public transportation services.
As of 18 May 2026 at 09:20 WIB, KAI's subsidized fuel consumption reached 83,915,377 liters, or 39.15% of the total government allocation of 214,342,000 liters for 2026.
This achievement reflects optimized energy management amid the high level of passenger and freight train operations that support public mobility and the distribution of various strategic national commodities every day.
Vice President Corporate Communication KAI Anne Purba stated that optimizing the utilization of subsidized fuel is part of strengthening the company's governance, implemented in an accountable, effective, and public-oriented manner.
“The utilization of subsidized fuel is managed in a measured manner to provide the greatest possible benefit to the public. KAI continues to maintain a balance between operational requirements, energy efficiency, service quality, and its contribution to the smooth flow of national distribution.”
Throughout January–April 2026, KAI served 19,218,440 Long-Distance and Local Train passengers, an increase compared to 17,709,669 passengers during the same period in 2025. This growth reflects increasing public confidence in rail-based mass transportation as a mode capable of supporting intercity mobility more effectively.
In addition to serving passengers, energy use in KAI's operations also supports freight transportation carrying various strategic commodities such as containers, cement, clinker, and parcels. Freight trains help keep the distribution chain moving through their large carrying capacity and more predictable travel times.
The strengthening of rail-based transportation also helps reduce congestion caused by logistics vehicles on highways, improve the efficiency of national distribution, and support a more sustainable transportation system.
As part of its energy optimization efforts, KAI continues to strengthen the use of biodiesel in diesel-powered railway operations. Following the implementation of biodiesel in daily operations, KAI, together with the Government, is currently conducting further testing to ensure rolling stock readiness remains aligned with safety standards and operational reliability.
The testing is carried out jointly with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and LEMIGAS through stages including fuel blending, rolling stock inspections, and operational testing on locomotives and power generator cars.
For locomotives, testing is conducted at Sidotopo Depot with a focus on monitoring engine performance and fuel consumption. Meanwhile, testing of power generator cars is conducted at Yogyakarta Train Depot through fuel consumption evaluation and periodic inspections every 300 operating hours.
“KAI continues to ensure that all energy management processes are carried out in accordance with the principles of safety, operational reliability, and good corporate governance. Every stage is implemented gradually and in a measured manner to ensure service quality for customers remains well maintained.”
Throughout 2025, the use of biodiesel in Long-Distance Train services resulted in total carbon emissions of 127,315,192 kg CO₂e, or approximately 127.3 thousand tons, from a total of 47.4 million passengers. Rail-based transportation also produces lower emissions than private vehicles, thereby contributing to keeping transportation-sector emissions under better control.
Anne added that energy management in the railway sector will continue to support regional connectivity and national productivity through increasingly efficient and sustainable public transportation services.
“Railways connect communities, industrial areas, distribution centers, and economic regions across the country every day. Therefore, optimizing energy utilization in rail-based transportation has a significant impact on national mobility, smooth logistics distribution, and economic growth.”
VP Corporate Communication KAI