ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia is strengthening its position in the global manufacturing market after state-owned railway producer PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) shipped two locomotive platforms to Australia, marking another milestone in the country’s industrial export expansion.
The latest delivery represents the 17th and 18th locomotive platforms shipped to UGL RS Pty Limited, Australia, as part of a 50-unit export contract signed in 2021 with a total value of approximately IDR100 billion (around US$6.1 million).
INKA Commissioner Sangap Surbakti said the shipment demonstrates that Indonesian railway products are increasingly recognized and accepted by international markets.
“This shipment is an important achievement for INKA because it shows that Indonesian railway manufacturing products are not only used domestically but are also trusted by global customers,” Sangap said.
The export process was carried out through Surabaya Container Terminal (TPS), strengthening cooperation among Indonesian state-owned enterprises in supporting national export logistics and supply chain efficiency.
Expanding Indonesia’s Global Industrial Presence
The continued export deliveries reflect INKA’s efforts to strengthen its manufacturing capacity and competitiveness in the international railway industry.
Australia and New Zealand remain strategic markets for INKA. The company has previously exported more than 1,000 freight wagons and multiple locomotive platforms to support railway operations in both countries.
The achievement highlights Indonesia’s broader industrial transformation strategy, shifting from reliance on raw commodity exports toward higher-value manufacturing products with greater technological content.
From Commodity Exporter to Manufacturing Powerhouse
Indonesia has been accelerating industrial downstream development as part of its ambition to build a stronger manufacturing base and increase the value of its exports.
The expansion of INKA’s international market presence shows the potential of Indonesian companies to compete in sectors requiring advanced engineering capabilities, precision manufacturing, and compliance with global standards.
Sangap emphasized that INKA’s export activities represent more than business transactions, as they also carry Indonesia’s reputation in the international marketplace.
He called for continued government support through competitive export regulations, faster licensing processes, and stronger coordination among institutions to help Indonesian industries meet global market demands.
Strengthening Indonesia-Australia Economic Partnership
The locomotive shipment also reflects the growing economic connectivity between Indonesia and Australia, particularly in industrial cooperation, infrastructure development, and supply chain integration.
As demand for efficient and sustainable rail transportation continues to rise across the Asia-Pacific region, Indonesia’s expanding railway manufacturing capability could open wider opportunities for future industrial exports.
Through INKA’s continued global expansion, Indonesia aims to strengthen its role as a competitive supplier of railway equipment and advanced manufacturing products in the Indo-Pacific market. (AT Network)
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