JAKARTA / Indonesia, 15 December 2025: Indonesia’s state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has rolled out two initiatives aimed at boosting inclusive mobility and accelerating digital transformation ahead of the 2025/2026 Christmas and New Year travel season. The company has launched a dedicated Farmer and Trader Train on the Merak Commuter Line and expanded its facial recognition boarding system across major stations.
Effective 1 December 2025, the Farmer and Trader Train operates on the Merak–Rangkasbitung corridor in Banten Province, providing small farmers and traders with dedicated cargo space on commuter services. Redesigned by KAI’s Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng workshop, the rolling stock features modified interiors, improved loading access, and enhanced safety systems tailored for micro and small enterprises.
The service operates under a government-backed Public Service Obligation scheme, with a flat Rp3,000 fare allowing up to two cargo units per user. Integrated into 14 daily commuter services across 11 stations, the train aims to reduce reliance on road logistics and improve market access for agricultural producers. On its first day, 95 users transported produce, snacks, and handicrafts to markets in Serang, Cilegon, and Merak.
In parallel, KAI is scaling its facial recognition boarding technology to manage peak holiday traffic more efficiently. Between January and October 2025, the system recorded 9.29 million uses, reducing paper ticket consumption by more than 23,000 rolls and delivering cost savings of Rp341 million. Since its 2023 launch, the technology has been used by 19.4 million passengers and is now available at 22 stations.
Holiday demand is building, with 629,060 tickets sold as of late November. KAI is offering 30% discounts on 182 services, covering around 1.5 million seats, as it positions rail as a more accessible, efficient, and sustainable transport option nationwide.
