KAI Confirms it will not Import Used Electric Commuter Trains from Japan

Jakarta: PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has ensured the public that it wont import used electric commuter trains (KRL) from Japan.

Instead, KAI will prioritize on buying new KRL trains while supporting the domestic railway industry.

KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin emphasized that all KRL trains brought in must be new in order to provide the best service to the public.

"The point is, the people deserve the best," Bobby said, as quoted from Metro TV's Headline News program on Friday, November 6, 2026.

During the procurement process, KAI is committed to involving national manufacturers, including PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero), or INKA. However, Bobby said cooperation with foreign manufacturers is still possible, as long as they partner with domestic industry.

"Some of them will be made at INKA. We must support domestic industry. Foreign companies must work with local ones," he said.

Regarding the number of trains, Bobby said KAI currently needs a total of 23 new KRL trainsets. Of these, eight are urgently needed and must be supplied soon.

KAI aims to speed up the procurement of all the new trains over the next few years.

"Eight are urgent, and the total is 23 trainsets. We will speed up the delivery of those 23 trainsets within two to three years," Bobby explained.

(Yaumil Tianri Rahmi)