Ambition of West Java Provincial Government to reactivate 11 railway lines

This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.

Investor Daily - Ambisi Pemprov Jabar reaktivasi 11 jalur kereta api

23 April 2025

By Heru Febrianto

Jakarta, ID — The West Java Provincial Government has ambitious plans to reactivate 11 local railway lines across West Java. The budget allocated to reactivate these railway lines is projected to reach Rp20 trillion.

West Java Governor, Dedi Mulyadi, revealed plans to reactivate several local railway lines throughout West Java. At least 11 lines are planned for reactivation.

Through collaboration with the Transportation Ministry and PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), Dedi Mulyadi has committed to fully supporting the reactivation process of currently non-operational railway lines.

In a video posted on his personal Instagram account @dedimulyadi71, he stated that the meeting results with the Transportation Ministry and KAI have agreed to the reactivation of at least 11 railway lines in West Java.

"We have just concluded the meeting. Several railway lines will be reactivated in West Java. We saw faces full of enthusiasm and hope during this meeting," said Dedi Mulyadi, as quoted from Beritasatu.com on Tuesday (22/4/2025). 

Beyond focusing on reactivation, Dedi Mulyadi also explained that future development will include electric railway routes, particularly for the Greater Bandung area encompassing Bandung City, Bandung Regency, and West Bandung Regency.

According to him, public infrastructure development should be the main priority, rather than merely expanding toll roads for private vehicles. He also emphasised the importance of this project in driving economic growth, particularly in accelerating agricultural distribution from villages to cities.

This railway reactivation initiative has received positive feedback from the public on social media. Many netizens hope this project will truly materialise and not remain merely conceptual, given the importance of improving public transportation and infrastructure distribution in West Java. 

Furthermore, the former Purwakarta Regent also mentioned the planned integration of electric railway services that will connect several regions, including Karawang, Purwakarta, and industrial estates in Subang.

"Hopefully this vision can be realised. West Java should be connected via railway lines that traverse its natural beauty, mountains, rice fields, and seas," Dedi Mulyadi said.

It should be noted that this ambitious project is part of Dedi Mulyadi's long-term vision for the next five years as West Java Governor. Several railway lines planned for reactivation in West Java include Rancaekek-Tanjungsari, Cirebon City-Kadipaten, Jatibarang-Karangampel, Terisi-Losarang, Dayeuhkolot-Majalaya, Cijulang-Pangandaran-Banjar, Cikajang-Cibatu, Indramayu-Jatibarang, Kiaracondong-Ciwidey, Cibatu-Padalarang, and Bandung-Ciwidey.

Dedi Mulyadi's grand plan is expected to strengthen interregional connectivity in West Java and bring positive impacts to public mobility and regional economic growth.

West Java Provincial Government's priorities

Separately, according to Dedi Mulyadi, the reactivation of the Bandung-Pangandaran railway line will be the main priority compared to other reactivation projects.

"Our most immediate reactivation project is the railway line from Bandung to Pangandaran. The currently existing line only reaches Banjar. Our first priority is to complete it," said Dedi Mulyadi as quoted by Antara.

Dedi stated that the West Java Provincial Government will maximise West Java's tourism potential by utilising railway, which he said was the most affordable mode of transport. 

He also explained that railways could support tourism as it is mass-oriented and traffic-free. "Railways are the most affordable mode of transport. Being mass transportation, it makes mobilising people easier," he explained.

The West Java Provincial Government held a coordination meeting with KAI and the Transportation Ministry’s Directorate General of Railways, where Dedi Mulyadi outlined several priority programmes of the West Java Provincial Government in supporting public transportation that benefits the people.

“Electric [railways] become the initial target. At least the traffic congestion in Bandung City and its surrounding areas could be solved,” he added.

He mentioned that besides the Bandung-Pangandaran railway line, West Java also aims to revive railway lines in Garut, connect railway lines from Bogor-Sukabumi-Cianjur to Padalarang, and the Bandung-Ciwidey railway line to anticipate holiday season congestion.

Support from Transportation Ministry

The West Java Provincial Government's initiative to revive 11 local railway lines in West Java has received support from the Transportation Ministry. The Director General of Railways at the Transportation Ministry, Risal Wasal, stated that West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has allocated a budget of Rp20 trillion for railway reactivation and electrification in the West Java region.

Regarding this matter, the government through the Transportation Ministry is ready to support and await the West Java Governor's steps to implement electrification and reactivation of 11 railway lines.

"The West Java Governor has made public announcements, preparing Rp20 trillion for reactivation and electrification, and we accept this challenge," said Risal during the 100th anniversary celebration of the commuter line at Jakarta Kota Station on Tuesday (22/4).

Risal explained that the Transportation Ministry will take part in providing infrastructure, whereas the train sets will be provided by the operator. However, Risal acknowledged that this plan still requires further discussion, including the types of trains that will operate.

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