Indonesia to Acquire Used Japanese Trains as Interim Solution for Aging Fleet

Bobby Rasyidin, the President Director of Indonesia's state-owned railway company KAI, revealed a plan to import 23 used electric trainsets from Japan. The order includes seven SF12 and sixteen SF8 models, chosen because some stations lack platforms long enough for twelve-car trains. Existing KRL units are often older than 40 years, prompting complaints from commuters.

Importing refurbished trains can be finalized in one to two months, a stark contrast to the one to two years needed for new builds, which would also interfere with domestic production. The imported trains are intended to serve the network for roughly a decade as KAI scales up its own manufacturing capabilities. This strategy is presented as a temporary bridge until Indonesia can meet demand with locally produced rolling stock.