Prabowo Urges KAI to Serve Small Cities, Not Just Chase High-Speed Trains

President Prabowo Subianto has urged PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) not to solely pursue modernization and speed in its services, but to continue serving the public, particularly in smaller cities. Delivering his message during the inauguration of the revitalization of the Semarang Tawang Station Cultural Heritage in Semarang on Thursday, July 30, Prabowo emphasized the enduring importance of railways in modern nations. He described trains not just as a mode of transport but as an economical logistics instrument with a direct impact on the broader community. "The train is an economic instrument for the people. The train is a real instrument of economic democratization," Prabowo stated. He asserted that railways must be viewed as a public service, meaning their management should not be driven solely by profit. While efficiency is crucial, services must still prioritize low-income individuals. Prabowo also addressed the dilemma of high-speed train development, acknowledging the need for technological advancement while cautioning against neglecting smaller regions. "Sometimes the dilemma is that they want a fast train, but in the end, small cities are not served," he noted. Prabowo called for KAI to adopt a holistic and comprehensive approach, ensuring technology serves the people rather than distancing services from community needs. He also advocated for increased investment in the railway sector, highlighting the necessity for better and safer crossing gates. The President encouraged the multiplication of automatic gates to reduce accident risks, pointing out that thousands of railway tracks still lack adequate crossing facilities. While expressing gratitude to KAI's President Director for his quick and responsive actions in revitalizing Semarang Tawang Station, Prabowo stressed that his core message extended beyond the station's inauguration. He wants KAI to grow without losing its fundamental function as a public service tool. "The train must serve the people," he concluded, emphasizing that Indonesia, as a large country, requires a strong, extensive transportation network that caters to its citizens.