KAI Prepares for the Gradual Transformation of Gambir, Strengthening Long-Distance Train Access and Transportation Integration in Central Jakarta

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues to prepare the gradual development of Gambir Station as part of strengthening public transportation services in central Jakarta. The transformation of Gambir is aimed at strengthening its role as a gateway for Long-Distance Train (KAJJ) journeys, improving intermodal connectivity, and providing an increasingly comfortable travel experience for the public.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said that the development of Gambir is being carried out by considering the station's strategic position in central Jakarta, close to the Monas area, government offices, business districts, hotels, public spaces, and various community activities.

“Gambir has a strategic role in Jakarta's transportation ecosystem. Its development is aimed at strengthening Gambir's function as a gateway for Long-Distance Train journeys while also supporting public connectivity to the center of Jakarta's activities,” said Anne.

Throughout January–July 2026, Gambir Station recorded activity from 3,871,579 customers, consisting of 1,990,205 departing customers and 1,881,374 arriving customers. The data demonstrates Gambir's significant role as one of the main Long-Distance Train stations in central Jakarta.

Based on the New Gambir development study, the transformation of Gambir is directed toward becoming a travel experience center that integrates mobility, hospitality, leisure, and added value for the area. The concept positions Gambir as an interconnection hub linking Long-Distance Trains, KRL, MRT, BRT, and the Monas area as a center of community activities.

Anne explained that the development of Gambir and the strengthening of public transportation in Jabodetabek are part of efforts to create an increasingly connected mobility system.

“KAI views each station as having its own role within a single transportation system. Manggarai serves as an inter-route transfer center, while Gambir is being developed as a gateway for Long-Distance Trains in central Jakarta and as part of strengthening access to strategic areas,” said Anne.

Currently, Gambir Station serves 34 regular train journeys per day with approximately 78 stopping activities for Long-Distance Train customers boarding and alighting. Meanwhile, the elevated railway line in the Gambir area is also traversed by Commuter Line services on the Jakarta Kota–Bogor and Jakarta Kota–Nambo routes.

KAI emphasizes that, to date, Commuter Line trains passing through the Gambir area do not yet serve customers boarding and alighting at Gambir Station. The potential development of such services remains part of a gradual process requiring infrastructure readiness, line capacity, operational systems, safety aspects, and coordination with regulators.

“If Commuter Line services at Gambir are developed, various aspects must be comprehensively prepared, starting from customer service facilities, platform readiness, transfer flows, line capacity, electricity, signaling, to operating patterns. Safety and travel reliability remain the top priorities,” said Anne.

The need to strengthen transportation integration in the Gambir area is becoming increasingly relevant as Jabodetabek's mobility continues to grow. The volume of Jabodetabek KRL trips increased from 217,964,892 trips in 2022 to 344,621,825 trips in 2025, an increase of 126,656,933 trips, representing growth of 58.11 percent over three years.

This growth is also evident on high-mobility routes, one of which is the Bogor Line, which served 153,538,393 trips in 2025, contributing 44.55 percent of total Jabodetabek KRL trips. The Bogor Line currently passes through the Gambir area but does not yet serve customers boarding and alighting at Gambir Station.

“The growth in KRL trips shows that public demand for connectivity to central Jakarta continues to increase. Therefore, Gambir's readiness needs to be viewed as part of the development of an integrated transportation system, including if there is future development of Commuter Line services at this station,” explained Anne.

The transformation of Gambir is part of the agenda to improve the Jabodetabek public transportation system. The New Gambir study positions the improvement of Gambir as part of strengthening regional transportation capacity, in line with the development of KRL services, interregional connectivity, and the modernization of strategic stations.

Through this development, KAI aims to make Gambir a station that is increasingly relevant to public needs, both as a departure and arrival point for Long-Distance Train journeys and as part of community activities in central Jakarta.

“The transformation of Gambir is being prepared gradually by taking into account customer needs, operational readiness, and the future development of Jakarta's public transportation,” concluded Anne.

VP Corporate Communication KAI