Makassar–Parepare Train Passenger Numbers Increase by 25.48 Percent from January to May 2026

Indonesia is an archipelagic country with a land area of approximately 1.9 million square kilometers and a population of more than 280 million people spread across thousands of islands. Across this vast territory, connectivity is one of the key factors in promoting equitable development, expanding economic access, and bringing communities closer to various public services.

For decades, railway services have developed into an essential part of public mobility on the islands of Java and Sumatra. Today, the benefits of rail-based public transportation are increasingly being felt in South Sulawesi through the Makassar–Parepare Train service, which continues to record passenger growth year after year.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded that from January through May 2026, the Makassar–Parepare Train served 145,735 passengers, an increase of 25.48 percent compared with the same period in 2025, when it served 116,146 passengers.

Passenger growth has become increasingly consistent throughout 2026. May recorded the highest monthly passenger volume this year, reaching 35,442 passengers. This figure brought the cumulative number of Makassar–Parepare Train passengers to 825,512 since the service began operating on 29 October 2022 through 1 June 2026.

Vice President of Corporate Communication KAI Anne Purba said that the increase in passenger numbers demonstrates that rail transportation is becoming increasingly accepted as a preferred mode of travel in South Sulawesi.

"This passenger growth shows that more people are choosing trains as one of their preferred modes of transportation. The Makassar–Parepare Train also strengthens interregional connectivity and supports community mobility to various centers of activity," said Anne.

Currently, the Makassar–Parepare Train operates along a route of approximately 145 kilometers, connecting several strategic areas in South Sulawesi through Mandai, Maros, Rammang-Rammang, Pangkajene, Labakkang, Ma'rang, Mandalle, Tanete Rilau, Barru, and Garongkong stations.

The route passes through areas with diverse economic and social characteristics. Maros Regency has developed as a supporting region for Makassar City and serves as the gateway to South Sulawesi's air transportation network. Pangkajene and Islands (Pangkep) Regency is well known for its fisheries, processing industries, and leading tourism destinations. Meanwhile, Barru Regency continues to grow as a coastal region supported by trade, services, and port activities.

The presence of railway services has strengthened connectivity between regions that were previously dominated by road transportation. Improved mobility provides greater opportunities for communities to access economic centers, tourist destinations, educational institutions, and various other social activities.

One of the attractions along the Makassar–Parepare railway line is the Maros–Pangkep Karst area, which has been designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The area is recognized as one of the largest karst landscapes in the world and is one of South Sulawesi's premier tourist destinations. From the train window, passengers can enjoy views of karst hills, expansive rice fields, coastal landscapes, and the daily activities of communities whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, fisheries, trade, and services.

According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the population of South Sulawesi reached approximately 9.56 million people in 2025. During the same period, the province's economy was supported by key sectors including trade, agriculture, manufacturing, fisheries, and tourism. These dynamics continue to increase the need for public transportation capable of connecting different regions effectively, safely, and comfortably.

More broadly, the development of rail-based public transportation is also part of the effort to promote more equitable national development. Indonesia's active railway network remains concentrated on the islands of Java and Sumatra. The operation of the Makassar–Parepare Train marks an important step in expanding the benefits of rail-based public transportation to other regions across Indonesia.

The 145-kilometer railway line currently in operation represents the initial phase of railway network development in Sulawesi. The presence of this service demonstrates that the demand for reliable public transportation is also growing beyond the regions that have traditionally been the center of Indonesia's national railway network.

"Every region deserves the same opportunity to grow. Better connectivity will help communities access more opportunities, strengthen regional economic activities, and support more equitable development. KAI remains committed to supporting the government's efforts to expand the benefits of railway transportation by providing services that are safe, comfortable, and reliable for the public,"

VP Corporate Communication KAI