Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Indonesia Cancels Plan to Import Used Japanese Commuter Trains
Indonesia’s state railway operator KAI has canceled plans to import used trains from Japan.
KAI chief Bobby Rasyidin said the operator needs 23 new commuter trainsets.
Eight trainsets are urgently needed, and KAI plans to speed up delivery over the next two to three years.
Half of the total need is expected to come from domestic producer INKA.
Foreign partners may still be involved, but must work with local industry.
The decision supports Indonesia’s train-making industry while addressing the need for more commuter trains.
KAI has canceled its plan to import used electric commuter trains from Japan and says it will procure new trains instead.
KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin said the decision supports Indonesia’s domestic rail manufacturing industry.
The company needs 23 new train sets, with eight considered urgent.
KAI aims to speed up procurement of all 23 train sets over the next two to three years.
Domestic manufacturer INKA is expected to supply some trains, while foreign manufacturers may participate through partnerships with local industry.
- Who
- KAI, led by President Director Bobby Rasyidin, canceled the import plan.
- What
- KAI will procure 23 new electric commuter train sets instead of importing used trains from Japan.
- When
- Bobby announced the decision on November 5, 2026.
- Where
- Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Why
- KAI said it wants to support domestic industry and provide new trains; eight train sets are urgently needed.
KAI and domestic-industry supporters
Supporters of importing used trains
Procurement choice
KAI and domestic-industry supporters
KAI says it will not import used trains and will procure new ones.
Supporters of importing used trains
KAI had previously proposed importing used trains from Japan to address a fleet shortage.
Industry
KAI and domestic-industry supporters
KAI says domestic industry should be supported, with foreign manufacturers working with local partners.
Supporters of importing used trains
The earlier proposal treated used imports as a way to cover the shortfall while domestic production capacity increased.
Timing
KAI and domestic-industry supporters
KAI aims to obtain 23 new train sets within two to three years.
Supporters of importing used trains
Bobby previously said used Japanese trains could be acquired in about one to two months, compared with one to two years for new trains.
Bobby proposed importing used Japanese trains at a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives.
The transport ministry said it was evaluating the proposal’s technical specifications and operating suitability.
Bobby announced that KAI would not import used trains and would instead procure new train sets.
Bobby said eight train sets were urgently needed and that KAI aimed to procure 23 within two to three years.
- Total planned procurement
- 23 new train sets
- Urgent requirement
- 8 train sets
- Procurement period
- 2 to 3 years
- Domestic manufacturer
- INKA
- Previous proposal
- Used KRL trains from Japan
- Previous import estimate
- About 1 to 2 months for used trains and 1 to 2 years for new trains
5 sources
What people are saying
The public deserves new ones
Foreign manufacturers must cooperate with domestic industry.
We will accelerate the 23 new train sets over two to three years.
We proposed imports as a way to plug the gap first.