More than 1 million tons of goods transported via container train, equivalent to reducing the movement of nearly 60 thousand trucks on the highway.

Photo: Dok. KAI Logistik

JAKARTA - In May 2026, KAI Logistics managed to record the overall performance of freight with a volume of 1,658,622 tons or increased by 10 percent compared to the previous month. This performance was driven by the performance of container train transportation, which showed consistent growth.

From January to May 2026, the container train service has transported 1,193,688 tons of goods or equivalent to almost 60 thousand truck trips, reflecting the increasing use of the train mode as an efficient and sustainable logistics solution.

KAI Logistics President Director, Yuskal Setiawan, revealed that the container train service recorded an 8 percent increase year-on-year in 2025 compared to 2024, continuing the positive growth trend as one of the flagship services.

"In 2026, we target greater growth through the strengthening of container train services and capacity. This step is part of the company's efforts to provide logistics solutions that are not only efficient, but also support industrial competitiveness and sustainable logistics development," he said in a written statement, Thursday, June 11.

The trend of increasing volume is increasingly visible entering the second quarter of 2026, with the highest achievement in May of 267,390 tons or an increase of 20 percent compared to the beginning of 2026. To accommodate this growth in demand, the company has accelerated capacity through the addition of two sets of container trains. This step is KAI Logistik's effort to respond to the increasing needs of industrial customers, while supporting the increasingly strong commitment of the business world to more efficient and sustainable logistics practices.

Yuskal added that the transformation of the national logistics system is not only determined by the increase in distribution capacity, but also by the ability to present efficient, low-emission, and sustainable modes of transportation. In this context, the railway has a strategic position as the backbone of large-capacity freight transport that is able to support inter-regional connectivity while improving the competitiveness of national industries.

"In the future, the logistics challenge is no longer about the speed of delivery, but also focuses on aspects of responsibility for the environment and infrastructure. The shift of some freight transport to the railway mode is a long-term investment for the national economy because it can increase supply chain efficiency, reduce external costs due to congestion and road damage, and support the achievement of Indonesia's low-carbon development targets," said Yuskal.

Furthermore, the increased use of rail modes for freight also creates a multiplier effect for the economy. More reliable logistics distribution will strengthen the smooth supply of raw materials and finished goods for various industrial sectors, maintain supply chain stability, and increase the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the domestic and global markets. At the same time, the shift in distribution from highways to railways also reduces pressure on road infrastructure and improves safety for road users.

Based on data for 2024, there were 150,906 accidents with 26,839 deaths. Around 10.5 percent of them involved freight vehicles. Meanwhile, the national road repair losses due to vehicles with more dimensions and more cargo reached IDR 10.21 trillion.

"As part of the national transportation ecosystem, KAI Logistics is committed to continue expanding the use of rail as a future logistics solution. Through capacity enhancement, development of service networks, and collaboration with various industry players, the company hopes that more and more goods distribution will switch to rail so that it can create a more efficient, safer, greener, and more competitive logistics system, while supporting Indonesia's vision towards sustainable economic growth," concluded Yuskal.