Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:39 AM

Indonesia requires ministry approval for used KRL imports from Japan

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Suharsana Aji Sasra J. C., Yashinta Difa

..procuring used trains would take only one to two months after approval, compared with a lead time of up to two years for brand-new units.

Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) - The proposed import of used electric commuter train (KRL) sets from Japan must obtain a technical recommendation from the relevant ministries before it can proceed, Trade Minister Budi Santoso confirmed here on Friday.

The statement follows a meeting between the Trade Ministry’s Director General of Foreign Trade and state railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia to outline regulatory requirements for the procurement.

Under existing trade regulations, used train sets are classified as a "regulated import," requiring inter-agency consensus and strict compliance criteria.

“For these regulated imports, there is a consensus among all the relevant ministries and agencies,” Santoso said, adding that imported used trains must not exceed 20 years of age.

The import plan has received support from Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) as a temporary measure while domestic manufacturing capacity expands.

“The procurement of these used rolling stock serves as a transitional solution,” Deputy Chairman of House Commission VI Andre Rosiade said.

Rosiade emphasized that the approval is conditional on PT KAI continuing to support state-owned train manufacturer PT INKA in improving its technology and manufacturing capabilities to the highest standards.

PT KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin previously highlighted the urgency of the procurement, noting that several commuter trains currently in service are more than 40 years old.

According to Rasyidin, procuring used trains would take only one to two months after approval, compared with a lead time of up to two years for brand-new units.

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