Throughout 2025, the Makassar Parepare Railway Served 318,311 Passengers
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded that the Makassar–Parepare Railway served 318,311 passengers throughout 2025, reflecting the growing public interest in South Sulawesi in rail transport as a reliable, safe, and comfortable mode of transportation.
"The Makassar–Parepare Railway recorded positive performance throughout 2025, serving a cumulative total of 318,311 passengers," said KAI Vice President Corporate Communication Anne Purba in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday.
Meanwhile, during the 2025/2026 Christmas and New Year Transportation period, from 18 to 31 December 2025, the Makassar–Parepare Railway served 17,483 passengers. This achievement reflects the high level of public mobility during the year-end holiday season, both for family trips and tourism.
According to Anne, the service's positive trend is closely linked to the role of the Makassar–Parepare Railway in connecting various leading destinations in South Sulawesi.
"The Makassar–Parepare Railway has become the preferred choice for people traveling to tourist destinations in South Sulawesi, ranging from coastal areas to economic and tourism growth centers," Anne said.
Along its operational route, the Makassar–Parepare Railway provides easier access for tourists to several iconic destinations in Eastern Indonesia.
From Makassar City, passengers can visit Losari Beach, known as the gateway to marine tourism and culinary attractions, before continuing their journey to Barru and its surrounding areas, which are recognized for their coastal landscapes and proximity to Garongkong Port, one of South Sulawesi's strategic logistics hubs.
"This railway also serves as an initial connection to other leading tourist destinations, such as Tanjung Bira in Bulukumba, which has long been one of Indonesia's premier marine tourism attractions," Anne explained.
On a monthly basis, Anne added, the Makassar–Parepare Railway served 32,853 passengers in December 2025, making it the third-highest monthly passenger volume of the year after May and April.
"This trend highlights the role of rail transportation in supporting domestic tourist mobility during the holiday season," she said.
During the Christmas and New Year period, the Makassar–Parepare Railway contributed to maintaining smooth public mobility, supporting the regional tourism sector, and stimulating local economic activity, particularly in coastal areas and emerging growth centers across South Sulawesi.
The Makassar–Parepare Railway operates on the Mandai–Garongkong route, covering 82 kilometers, and the Mangilu–Garongkong route, covering 58 kilometers, with six daily services. The operating pattern has been designed to meet the travel needs of both the public and tourists during the extended holiday period.
VP Corporate Communication KAI