Good news for mobile internet data hoarders: soon, train journeys in Indonesia will be equipped with free wi-fi.
Edi Sukmoro, director of state-owned train company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI), said that free wi-fi will be installed on all intercity trains as well as Jakarta’s KRL Commuterline trains.
“What we must think about is how trains will come with wi-fi. That’s because [wi-fi] is a necessity,” he said, as quoted by Republika today.
Edi said that PT KAI has been discussing the plan for some time, though there is no exact date for its implementation yet.
“Discussions are ongoing, but it hasn’t been decided. It should be able to be installed this year, but gradually,” he said.
Free wi-fi is already available at some train stations in Jakarta, including the major ones like Gambir Station.
While free wi-fi makes sense for long trips on intercity trains, it makes less sense on KRL Commuterline trains, for which trips are much shorter and so packed with passengers during rush hour that it’s difficult to take out one’s phone. But if there’s anything most Indonesians won’t refuse, it’s free wi-fi.
