Antara News·Indonesia·Monday, September 28, 2026 at 11:48 AM

Indonesia has yet to approve plan to import used Japanese trains

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Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi confirmed that his ministry has not yet received an official proposal from state railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) regarding its plan to import used train sets from Japan.

Dudy emphasized that any regulatory framework governing the proposed import of used electric commuter train (KRL) sets falls under the authority of the Trade Ministry.

"Regulations regarding imports certainly fall under another ministry—the Trade Ministry," Dudy told reporters in Jakarta on Monday.

He noted that without a formal submission from KAI, the Transportation Ministry has yet to conduct an operational assessment or hold formal discussions on the procurement.

"KAI has not submitted it to me yet," Dudy said.

The minister emphasized that any fleet expansion must align with President Prabowo Subianto's directives, which prioritize domestic manufacturing over foreign procurement wherever feasible.

"Naturally, we must carry out what the President expects," Dudy added.

The statement follows remarks made on Friday (September 25) by Trade Minister Budi Santoso, who noted that importing used rolling stock falls under regulated import categories and requires an explicit recommendation from the relevant technical ministry before approval can proceed.

Budi confirmed that trade officials had met with KAI representatives to outline regulatory compliance requirements.

KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin previously highlighted the urgency of importing used Japanese train sets as a bridge measure, citing production constraints at state train manufacturer PT INKA and the pressing need to replace aging KRL fleets, many of which have been in service for more than 40 years.

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