Prabowo calls rail transport vital for economic democracy

hartono · Jul 30, 2026

Prabowo calls rail transport vital for economic democracy

Screenshot - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto delivers his remarks during the inauguration of the revitalized Semarang Tawang Station, Central Java, on Thursday (July 30, 2026). (ANTARA/YouTube Sekretariat Presiden/Maria Cicilia Galuh)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that rail transport serves as a vital instrument for economic democracy by offering broad benefits to the public, particularly low-income communities.

Speaking at the inauguration of the revitalized Semarang Tawang Station on Thursday, President Prabowo highlighted the strategic role of rail transport as an efficient, economical logistics and mobility system within the nation's modernization effort.

"Trains benefit the people, especially low-income people. Trains are an economic instrument for the people—a true instrument of economic democratization," Prabowo said, according to a statement released by the Presidential Secretariat.

The President insisted that national railway operations must not focus strictly on corporate profits but must prioritize public service to foster nationwide economic equality.

In many nations, he noted, railways function as essential public services requiring efficient management while ensuring affordable transport access across all regions.

The Head of State also cautioned against infrastructure development that favors high-speed rail at the cost of neglecting smaller regional networks.

To prevent regional disparity, President Prabowo called for a comprehensive approach to national railway development that balances technological advancement with equitable access for all citizens.

"Indonesian railways must be thought out holistically and comprehensively. We pursue modernization, we pursue technology—but remember, all technology and resources exist to serve the people,” he concluded.