Indonesia, Russia Explore Railway Development Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is expanding investment opportunities and transportation cooperation with Russia, focusing on developing a strategic railway network to strengthen interregional connectivity.

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), said Indonesia is opening opportunities for Russian companies to participate in the construction of the national railway corridor.

“Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, comprising 17,380 islands and a population of about 280 million people. For us, transportation is the lifeline that unites the nation and connects all regions,” Minister AHY said in Jakarta on Sunday, June 7, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that Indonesia’s need for railway network development remains significant. The government is offering opportunities to participate in strategic corridor projects such as Trans‑Sumatra, Trans‑Sulawesi, and Trans‑Kalimantan.

Beyond network expansion, cooperation opportunities include technology and manufacturing of railway infrastructure, high‑speed rail, and heavy‑haul engineering, improving operational safety standards, developing low‑carbon transportation, and strengthening research and human resource capacity.

Minister AHY emphasized that Russia’s experience in managing modern public transportation could serve as a valuable reference for Indonesia. The Moscow Metro system is considered relevant to Indonesia’s efforts to develop more efficient and eco‑friendly MRT, LRT, and commuter rail services.

He discussed these cooperation opportunities during a meeting with Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin in Moscow. The talks were part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations while promoting modern, sustainable, and competitive transportation development. ***