RI Govt says its priority improving nationwide connectivity

hartono · Aug 23, 2025

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Passengers walk toward the exit after getting off a train car at Surabaya Gubeng Station in Surabaya, East Java, Friday (Aug. 15, 2025).
ANTARA FOTO/Didik Suhartono/YU

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono on Saturday brushed aside a proposal to create smoker-only cars on long-distance trains, saying the government's priority is improving nationwide connectivity.

"There are far more important matters for me to respond to. What's clear is that connectivity must be strengthened between regions through multimodal transport on land, sea, air and rail," he said.

The government's transportation roadmap must deliver faster, more affordable, and inclusive mobility for people, goods, and services. Broader access to reliable transport should boost productivity and spur economic growth across the country, Yudhoyono said.

Yudhoyono also highlighted the role of transit-oriented development (TOD) in linking housing and workplaces, while supporting sustainability goals by cutting emissions.

"Reducing carbon footprints and preventing a worsening climate crisis is a serious target we must pursue," he said.

The idea of a smoking compartment was raised earlier this week by lawmaker Nasim Khan during a parliamentary hearing with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) chief executive Bobby Rasyidin.

In response to that, PT KAI rejected the proposal, stressing that the company is committed to running its smoke-free services for the sake of passengers' safety and comfort.

The Transportation Ministry backed the stance, with Director General of Railways Allan Tandiono noting that trains fall under designated smoke-free areas to safeguard public health.