KAI President Director Emphasizes Safety, Professionalism, and Expanding the Benefits of Rail Transportation on Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) held a ceremony commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at KAI Headquarters in Bandung on Monday (August 17). KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin emphasized that the spirit of independence should be translated into increasingly professional work, reliable services, and broader benefits of railway transportation for the public.

This year's 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia carries the theme “A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia.” In his address, Bobby interpreted the theme as a relevant direction for Indonesia's railway sector, namely providing strong and reliable transportation, expanding public access, and promoting connectivity that supports the economy and prosperity.

“Independence must be reflected in the benefits experienced by the public. Rail transportation must become increasingly safe, reliable, accessible, and capable of supporting economic activities,” said Bobby.

Bobby said the government's attention to the development of public transportation is creating greater opportunities for railways to contribute to national development. Therefore, KAI continues to encourage improvements in the company's efficiency and productivity, with service quality as one of its main focuses.

In his address, Bobby stated that in the first half of 2026, the KAI Group served approximately 255.2 million passengers, an increase of 8% compared with the same period the previous year. Consolidated revenue reached IDR 17.96 trillion, an increase of 7%, while operating profit rose 26% to approximately IDR 4.66 trillion. These achievements provide a foundation for improving service quality while maintaining the company's sustainability.

“Public trust must be answered with increasingly better performance. Growth must be accompanied by quality services and a healthy company,” said Bobby.

Alongside stronger performance, KAI continues to carry out transformation through service improvements and asset optimization. The revitalization of Semarang Tawang Station is aimed at preserving its historical value while improving service quality. KAI is also developing railway-based tourism through The Nusantara Explorer and supporting affordable housing programs for Low-Income Communities (MBR) through asset optimization and the development of areas integrated with public transportation.

The scope of the railway sector's contribution is also being expanded. The government has provided direction for strengthening railway connectivity, including in Sumatra and Kalimantan. KAI is preparing to support these various agendas professionally in accordance with its authority and government assignments, while maintaining the company's financial health and the continuity of national transportation services.

At the same time, the financial restructuring of PT KCIC, the operator of Whoosh, continues to be carried out together with the government. The effort is aimed at maintaining operational continuity and strengthening the company's cash flow, enabling service improvements and investments in the safety and reliability of railway infrastructure and rolling stock to continue.

Amid service and business development, Bobby placed particular emphasis on safety as the top priority. Level crossings remain a challenge that requires collaboration among stakeholders, public education, and strict adherence to safety procedures.

“Every operational decision must place the safety of customers, employees, and the public as the top priority. At this point, there is no room for compromise,” Bobby emphasized.

Bobby also called on all KAI Group employees to uphold integrity, improve professionalism, and strengthen collaboration. Organizational changes and business developments should serve as momentum to improve work quality and expand the company's contribution to Indonesia.

In the context of this year's Independence Day theme, KAI interprets Sovereign as the ability to provide strong and reliable transportation. Just means expanding access to and the benefits of railway transportation for the public. Meanwhile, Prosperous is realized through connectivity that supports economic activities and improves public welfare. This interpretation is in line with the message delivered by KAI's President Director during the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia ceremony.

“Indonesia needs increasingly strong public transportation. Our task is to ensure that KAI continues to grow, with safety, service, and meaningful benefits as our main direction,” said Bobby.

Concluding his address, Bobby expressed his appreciation to all KAI Group employees for their hard work, dedication, and contributions in maintaining railway services. He called on all employees to uphold integrity, improve professionalism, and strengthen collaboration to transform KAI into an increasingly safe, modern, integrated transportation company that delivers greater benefits to Indonesia.

“Happy 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Long live the Republic of Indonesia. A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia. Merdeka!” Bobby concluded.

VP Corporate Communication KAI