President Prabowo Subianto has directed the acceleration of major transportation and infrastructure projects, specifically ordering the revitalization of Stasiun Gambir in Jakarta and the construction of a new rail network in Bali. The President issued these instructions during a meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, November 5, 2026, with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) President Director Bobby Rasyidin and Minister of Culture Fadli Zon.
Revitalization Plans for Gambir and Monas Stations
The government plans to renovate Stasiun Gambir, which has not undergone significant upgrades since it was established in the 1970s. According to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, the administration intends to transform the station into a national hub that integrates with the surrounding Monas area. The project aims to blend the station’s function with tourism, entertainment, and family recreation facilities.
Concurrently, the government is fast-tracking the development of a “Grand National Museum.” This project follows the completion of renovations at the National Gallery and the Museum Gajah. The goal is to provide a large-scale facility that serves as a center for history, education, and recreation, specifically targeting students and the younger generation.
Pemerintah Bakal Revitalisasi Kawasan Monas dan Stasiun Gambir! Prabowo Panggil Dirut KAI ke Istana, Bahas Revitalisasi Monas dan Kereta Api di Bali. – Pertemuan berlangsung Kamis (5/11/2026) di Istana Merdeka, Jakarta. – Prabowo memberikan arahan terkait revitalisasi kawasan… pic.twitter.com/jySLyoUF9R
Implementation of the Bali Rail Project
PT KAI has been tasked with developing the first railway line in Bali, a project with an estimated budget exceeding Rp 2 trillion. PT KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin confirmed that his company will lead the construction, which is designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the island’s primary tourism corridors.
The project is divided into two phases. The first phase will connect the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to Legian, while the second phase will extend the line from Legian to Canggu. Bobby explained that due to the high density of coastal residential and tourism areas, the planned rail system will be constructed underground. The project is expected to take approximately two years to complete.
Context of Infrastructure Development
The initiative to build a railway in Bali has been in development for some time. Bali Governor Wayan Koster previously noted that the project followed directives from the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas to PT KAI. The provincial government had already prepared for the infrastructure, with plans for the rail line alongside other projects like the Gilimanuk-Mengwi Toll Road, aiming to address traffic congestion on the island.
Rail Line Connects Airport to Tourism Areas to Ease Traffic
What is the primary purpose of the new rail line in Bali?
The railway is intended to connect I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport with key tourism areas, including Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu, to reduce traffic congestion.
Why will the Bali railway be built underground?
According to PT KAI, the underground construction is necessary because the intended route passes through coastal areas that are already densely populated and heavily developed for tourism.
When was Gambir Station last renovated?
Stasiun Gambir has not undergone a major renovation since it was first established in the 1970s. The current plan aims to modernize the facility while integrating it with the Monas tourism district and the MRT Jakarta network.
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