KAI Serves 324,579 Tons of Plantation Freight, Up 17.83% in the First Semester of 2026

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded plantation freight transport services totaling 324,579 tons in the first semester of 2026. This figure represents an increase of 17.83% compared to the first semester of 2025, which amounted to 275,475 tons, or an additional 49,104 tons.

The majority of plantation commodities transported by KAI consist of crude palm oil (CPO) and its derivative products. These commodities are closely linked to the processing industry, interregional trade, exports, and the demand for bio-based energy raw materials.

Vice President of Corporate Communication KAI, Anne Purba, stated that the increase in plantation freight volume reflects the growing need among business actors for logistics services that are consistent, high-capacity, and well-connected to production hubs, industrial areas, and ports.

“Plantation commodities, particularly palm oil, play a vital role in economic activities across various regions. Smooth distribution helps maintain industrial raw material supply, supports exports, and strengthens the competitiveness of Indonesian commodities,” said Anne.

According to Anne, the role of plantation commodity distribution is becoming increasingly relevant alongside the strengthening of industrial downstreaming and national energy policy directions. The demand for bio-based raw materials, including to support the readiness of B50 biodiesel utilization, requires a reliable supply chain to ensure that the movement of commodities from production areas to processing points can be carried out in a more structured manner.

“The national energy agenda requires strong logistical support. As demand for bio-based raw materials increases, including in preparation for B50, the distribution of CPO and its derivatives must be supported by an efficient, consistent, and well-connected logistics system,” Anne added.

In various regions of Sumatra, rail-based plantation logistics services play a role in connecting production areas with processing industries and ports. The movement of these commodities also supports business activities, maintains supply continuity, and contributes to regional economies that depend on the plantation sector.

From a sustainability perspective, rail transport offers added value due to its ability to handle large volumes in a single trip. This distribution model helps reduce the burden of heavy vehicles on highways, improves energy efficiency per ton of goods, and strengthens more measurable logistics options for high-volume commodities such as CPO and its derivatives.

Anne further noted that the increase in plantation freight services is a positive signal for national logistics. Stronger connectivity between production areas, processing industries, and ports will help ensure more efficient goods flow and reinforce Indonesia’s position in the global plantation commodity supply chain.

“KAI will continue to strengthen logistics services to support national productive sectors. Through rail transport, the distribution of plantation commodities can become more efficient, support regional economies, and strengthen the supply chain of Indonesia’s strategic commodities, including those related to national bioenergy needs,” Anne concluded.

VP Corporate Communication KAI