KAI: The Initial Stage Of The Farmer- Trader Train Is Implemented In The Banten Region

The photo archive - PT KAI has prepared a special train for farmers and traders. BETWEEN/HO-Humas KAI/aa. (PT KAI's Public Relations)

JAKARTA - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) said the initial stage of operating farmers' and traders' trains was implemented on the Merak-Rangkasbitung route, Banten, to support food security, economic equity and increase productivity in the national real sector.

"The initial stages of operating the train of farmers and traders will be implemented in the Banten area as a form of support for the Government's Asta Cita Program in strengthening food security, economic equity," said KAI Vice President Public Relations Anne Purba as reported by ANTARA, Monday, November 3

He said KAI through its subsidiary KAI Commuter was preparing the concept of operating the train, which is an innovation of rail-based transportation services, designed to facilitate the distribution of agricultural products and local trade.

The special train is the work of Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng, which was first introduced to the public on August 15, 2025. At that time, according to him, the train of farmers and traders underwent their first cross-test to ensure operational safety, security and feasibility aspects before being operational.

"This innovation is one proof of KAI's ability to provide adaptive means of transportation to the needs of the community," said Anne.

He said KAI is committed to providing services that have real social and economic benefits for the community. rail-based transportation plays an important role in strengthening supply chains and encouraging the regional economy.

"Through KAI Commuter, we are preparing a concept of service operation that will help farmers and traders reach the market more easily, efficiently, and at affordable costs," said Anne.

Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Banten Province 2023, there are 609,226 individual agricultural business units in the region. Some farmers are still facing problems with the distribution of crops to the market, which has an impact on the low selling value of products.

So that the presence of train farmers and traders is expected to be a solution in accelerating the mobility of agricultural products and MSME products in a safe and efficient manner.

"The survey of Commuter Line Merak users shows 81.23 percent of farmers and traders' passengers support special train services to support their economic activities," he said, explaining.

Meanwhile, he said 6.94 percent of passengers from Serang proposed adjusting their departure time in the morning between 07.00 WIB and 08.00 WIB to match traditional market time.

Anne emphasized that aspects of safety, security, and comfort are the main concerns in the development of these services.

Therefore, he continued, KAI through KAI Commuter continues to coordinate with the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation to ensure technical, operational, and customer safety readiness before the implementation stage is carried out.

The initial stage of operating the Farmers and Traders Train will be focused on the Rangkasbitung Line, with a service pattern designed so that the loading and unloading process of agricultural products and merchandise can be carried out safely at a number of stations.

The train will use the existing schedule for the Merak Commuter Line with additional stopping times at several points.

Throughout January -September 2025, Commuter Line users on the Rangkasbitung Line reached 56,825,669 customers, up 9.9 percent compared to the same period in 2024 of 51,706,637 customers.

The increase, according to him, shows the great economic potential of the Banten community which is supported by rail-based public transportation.

He explained that the program was still in the preparation stage, his party wanted to ensure that every step was oriented towards public safety and welfare.

"This innovation is expected to be the first step to strengthen the community's economy through inclusive and productive transportation," said Anne.