During the First Semester of 2026, the Rangkasbitung–Merak Farmers and Traders Train Served 26,074 Passengers
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues to provide services that are closely aligned with the needs of the community. One of these initiatives is the operation of the Farmers and Traders Train on the Rangkasbitung–Merak route in Banten, which is designed to support the daily activities of local residents, particularly farmers, traders, and individuals earning a living by transporting agricultural produce and merchandise by train.
During the first semester of 2026, the Farmers and Traders Train on the Rangkasbitung–Merak route served 26,074 passengers. Since commencing operations on this route on December 1, 2025, the service has been utilized by a total of 30,189 passengers, consisting of 4,115 passengers during the initial operational period in December 2025 and 26,074 passengers throughout January–June 2026.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that the Farmers and Traders Train is an example of KAI's service adaptation to meet the mobility needs of communities in the regions. The service provides a more organized space for passengers carrying merchandise, agricultural products, and business equipment during their daily journeys.
"The Farmers and Traders Train was introduced in response to a very real need within the community. On the Rangkasbitung–Merak route, many passengers use the train to work, conduct business, transport agricultural produce, and support their families' livelihoods. KAI wants to ensure that their journeys are more orderly, comfortable, and continue to prioritize safety," said Anne.
The Farmers and Traders Train operating on the Rangkasbitung–Merak route is the work of Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng. Through the technical expertise and experience of Indonesia's railway professionals, the rolling stock has been modified to support the travel characteristics of passengers carrying productive goods, such as agricultural products, merchandise, and supplies for small-scale businesses.
Anne explained that the train provides direct benefits to the community. Farmers are able to transport their harvests to trading centers, traders can reach markets and customers with predictable transportation costs, while local communities gain access to transportation that better suits their daily economic activities.
"Behind the passenger figures are stories of people who leave early in the morning carrying their harvests, merchandise, and hopes for their families. That is why we consider this service to be part of the railway's role in supporting the people's economy in the regions," Anne said.
In addition to the Farmers and Traders Train, the Rangkasbitung–Merak line also serves as one of the key routes for Local Train services. The Rangkasbitung–Merak Local Train connects several areas across Banten to Merak Station, which is located near Merak Port. From this point, passengers can continue their journey to Sumatra via ferry services.
This connectivity makes the Rangkasbitung–Merak Local Train an important mode of transportation for the public, whether for work, trade, education, accessing public services, or continuing inter-island travel. The presence of this service strengthens the daily mobility connection of Banten residents with one of the main ferry gateways to Sumatra.
KAI recorded that passenger volume on the Rangkasbitung–Merak Local Train has continued to show a positive trend over the past several years. In 2023, the Local Train on this route served 3,617,478 passengers. The figure increased to 4,269,154 passengers in 2024 and rose again to 4,463,498 passengers in 2025. Within two years, passenger volume increased by 846,020 passengers, representing growth of 23.39%.
This positive trend continued in 2026. Throughout January–June 2026, the Rangkasbitung–Merak Local Train served 2,414,115 passengers. This represents an increase of 207,444 passengers, or 9.40%, compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 2,206,671 passengers.
According to Anne, the growth in Local Train passengers demonstrates that rail transportation remains the primary choice for daily travel among the people of Banten. The service supports a wide range of activities, including education, employment, commerce, access to public services, family travel, and onward connections to Sumatra via Merak Port.
"KAI views the Rangkasbitung–Merak route as a corridor with strong social, economic, and connectivity value. The continued growth in Local Train passengers and the introduction of the Farmers and Traders Train demonstrate that rail services are becoming increasingly integrated into the daily needs of the community," Anne stated.
KAI will continue to uphold safety, orderliness, and service quality on the Rangkasbitung–Merak route. Through the enhancement of both the Local Train service and the Farmers and Traders Train, KAI remains committed to providing public transportation that is safe, affordable, and beneficial to both the community and the regional economy.
"We would like to thank our passengers for continuing to use rail transportation in an orderly manner. KAI will continue to listen to the needs of the community so that the services we provide remain increasingly relevant to people's journeys, work, connectivity, and economic lives," Anne concluded.
VP Corporate Communication KAI