Jakarta (ANTARA) – Research by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has revealed that reactivating the Rangkasbitung-Pandeglang-Labuan railway line has the potential to increase passenger and freight mobility, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen sustainable regional development.
“The reactivation of the railway line is not only a transportation project, but also a regional development strategy,” said Purwoko, a researcher at BRIN’s Center for Social Welfare, Villages, and Connectivity Research (PRKSDK), in a statement on Sunday.
“This potential should be optimized,” he added.
He said the study was based on the current condition of the railway line, which has remained out of operation for a long time.
The rail infrastructure has deteriorated, many stations are no longer functional, and parts of the route have been converted into roads or residential areas.
To assess the feasibility of reopening the line, the research team collected primary data through field observations of railway tracks, stations, bridges, and supporting facilities.
Interviews were also conducted with various stakeholders, including PT Kereta Api Indonesia, government institutions, operators, and local communities. The analysis was further strengthened by secondary data, including regional planning documents and transportation policies.
“The study results show that the potential for reactivating the route is quite significant. This potential is supported by population growth, increased public mobility, and worsening traffic congestion,” he said.
“The potential for reactivating this route is also supported by the distribution needs of various commodities, such as agricultural products, fishery products, and coal for the Labuan Steam Power Plant (PLTU), which has so far relied on road transportation,” he said.
Purwoko further explained that the analysis identified several strengths supporting the reactivation, including the railway’s large transport capacity, relatively affordable fares, environmentally friendly characteristics, and its potential to improve inter-regional connectivity.
Meanwhile, the challenges include deteriorated infrastructure, the conversion of railway land, substantial investment requirements for construction and maintenance, and competition from other modes of transportation.
Based on the Internal Factor Analysis Summary (IFAS) and External Factor Analysis Summary (EFAS), the development strategy falls into Quadrant I, indicating an aggressive growth strategy.
This suggests that development opportunities outweigh existing constraints, giving the railway reactivation strong prospects for implementation.
Purwoko said the reactivation should be accompanied by measures to strengthen the competitiveness of rail transportation by improving access to stations, enhancing service quality, integrating rail with other transport modes, and increasing public awareness of the railway’s benefits.
Previously, the reactivation and construction of railway lines became one of the priorities of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
President Prabowo expressed his hope that Indonesia’s railway network would expand more rapidly and serve wider areas in line with the country’s vast development potential.
“I look forward to the inauguration of the revitalization of other stations, including the launch of the Trans-Sumatra Railway. Thank you,” President Prabowo said on July 30.
The approximately 56-kilometer Rangkasbitung-Pandeglang–Labuan railway line was built in 1906 and ceased operations around 1984 as transportation gradually shifted to road-based modes.
The reactivation of the railway line has now been included in Indonesia’s 2025–2029 National Strategic Projects (PSN). Construction of the initial segment is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the entire project targeted for completion and operation in 2029.
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Translator: Sean Filo Muhamad, Katriana
Editor: Primayanti
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