Government Support through Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Pioneer Train Services Keeps Railway Fares Affordable
Government support through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme and pioneer railway services plays an important role in maintaining affordable fares while expanding access to rail-based transportation for communities across various regions.
During the first semester of 2026, KAI Group served 258,993,359 passengers, an increase of 7.55 percent compared to 240,805,920 passengers in the same period of 2025. These services include PSO, pioneer railway services, Government-assigned operations, and commercial services.
Based on the grouping of entities and services that also operate PSO, pioneer railway services, or Government-assigned services, a total of 235,137,908 passengers were served during the first semester of 2026. This represents approximately 90.79 percent of KAI Group's total passengers.
This group includes PSO long-distance and local trains, KAI Commuter, LRT Jabodebek, selected KAI Airport Rail services, LRT South Sumatra, and the Makassar–Parepare Railway.
The 90.79 percent figure reflects the proportion of passengers served by these entities and services. Several of these entities also operate commercial services; therefore, the number of passengers directly receiving Government subsidies depends on the subsidy scheme applicable to each service.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, stated that Government support helps ensure railway services remain accessible while meeting the diverse travel needs of communities across different regions.
"PSO helps keep fares affordable for selected railway services, while pioneer railway services establish and maintain transportation access in regions that still require Government support. Both schemes provide communities with travel options that best suit their needs," said Anne.
For KAI's long-distance and local railway services, 9,541,158 passengers traveled using PSO trains during January–June 2026, representing an 8.08 percent increase compared to 8,827,887 passengers in the first semester of 2025.
This total consisted of 5,958,724 passengers on PSO long-distance trains, up 4.88 percent from 5,681,340 passengers in the same period last year. Meanwhile, PSO local trains served 3,582,434 passengers, an increase of 13.85 percent from 3,146,547 passengers.
PSO railway services are widely used for commuting to work, attending school, conducting business, visiting family, and accessing education, economic centers, healthcare facilities, and public services in other cities.
"Government support allows people's travel needs to be accommodated through fares determined under the public service assignment. Affordable transportation is essential for sustaining mobility and supporting economic activity," Anne added.
In urban and regional transportation services, KAI Commuter served 204,151,200 passengers during the first semester of 2026, a 6.58 percent increase compared to 191,540,583 passengers in the corresponding period of 2025.
This figure represents KAI Commuter's total passenger volume across all operating regions and service schemes. While some services receive PSO support, others operate on a commercial basis.
Meanwhile, LRT Jabodebek served 16,018,911 passengers during the first semester of 2026, increasing 22.84 percent compared to 13,040,403 passengers in the same period of 2025. The service continues to support daily mobility across Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, and Bekasi.
According to Anne, the high level of ridership on urban transit services reflects the growing demand for integrated, high-capacity, and easily accessible public transportation.
"Mass transit enables people to travel more efficiently in their daily lives. Government support and policies remain essential to ensuring service quality, capacity, system integration, and fare management continue to meet public needs," Anne explained.
Within airport rail services, the PSO-supported group served 3,048,132 passengers during the first semester of 2026, an increase of 3.14 percent compared to 2,955,306 passengers during the same period in 2025.
This total comprised 908,898 passengers on the Yogyakarta International Airport Rail service, 793,519 passengers on the Srilelawangsa Railway (Medan–Kualanamu), and 1,345,715 passengers on the Srilelawangsa Railway (Medan–Kuala Bingai).
Meanwhile, the commercially operated YIA Xpress Airport Rail served 434,765 passengers during the first semester of 2026. This volume is recorded separately from PSO-supported services.
"Airport rail services provide convenient travel options to and from airports. Government support for selected services helps passengers enjoy more affordable access," Anne noted.
Through the Pioneer Railway Service scheme, LRT South Sumatra served 2,206,496 passengers between January and June 2026. During the same period, the Makassar–Parepare Railway served 172,011 passengers.
Combined, these two pioneer railway services transported 2,378,507 passengers during the first semester of 2026. Their presence helps expand transportation access, introduce rail-based mass transit to new regions, and support social and economic activities in South Sumatra and South Sulawesi.
"The benefits of pioneer railway services are closely linked to improving public accessibility. These services provide additional mobility options while supporting the development of public transportation and regional community activities," Anne said.
Anne further emphasized that delivering quality public transportation requires collaboration among the Government, regulators, operators, local governments, and other relevant stakeholders.
"Government support through PSO and Pioneer Railway Services helps ensure rail transportation remains an affordable, safe, and reliable mobility option. KAI expresses its appreciation for the Government's policies and collaboration in maintaining travel accessibility for communities across Indonesia," Anne concluded.
VP Corporate Communication KAI