Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has confirmed that the government has officially scrapped plans to import used electric commuter trains from Japan, opting instead to procure new train sets to prioritize public services and the domestic industry.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin emphasized that commuter rail passengers deserve new trains.
"No, we are not importing used trains. The bottom line is that the public must be provided with new ones," Bobby said.
According to Bobby, the government is prioritizing domestic manufacturers to meet its fleet requirements. State-owned train manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) is expected to be one of the main suppliers, although opportunities for international technical cooperation remain open.
"INKA will likely be one of the suppliers. We are obligated to support the domestic industry," he said.
The decision marks a shift from KAI's previous proposal, which had received initial approval from Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) for the import of used trains from Japan.
The fleet expansion is considered necessary to accommodate rising passenger numbers across the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) commuter rail network.
KAI has identified a requirement for 23 new train sets, comprising seven 12-car train sets (SF12) and 16 eight-car train sets (SF8).
Of these, the procurement of an initial batch of eight train sets has been designated as an immediate priority. Bobby said the entire procurement program would be accelerated, with completion targeted within the next two to three years.