In 2009, KAI and Ministry of Transportation began cooperation for the development of a new locomotive that would be built in Indonesia and designed to withstand flooding on railway tracks.

The locomotives were launched and unveiled to the public on 20 May 2013, coinciding with the National Awakening Day commemorations.

[3] The locomotive is powered by a 1,864-kilowatt (2,500 hp) Caterpillar 3512B-HD TA diesel engine mated to the transmission from Voith and can run up to a maximum speed of 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph), with a traction force of 270 kilonewtons (61,000 lbf) when the locomotive moves from a total stop.

[3] The locomotive is also equipped with CCTV cameras on both sides for easier maneuvering when reversing and to monitor coaches being hauled.

[3][5] On 28 May 2018, the company signed a contract worth ₱1.4 billion (US$26 million) to supply the Philippine National Railways with three brand-new INKA CC300 locomotives and 15 coaches for use in re-fleeting its commuter service in Metro Manila.

[8][9] The locomotives were built in PT INKA's Madiun plant and underwent testing in KAI's railway lines before it was delivered to the Philippines on 23 December 2020.

[10][9][6][7] This export follows PT INKA's previous export to the PNR of two sets of 8000 class Diesel Multiple Units in December 2019 worth 130 billion rupiah (US$9.7 million) and four sets of 8100 class Diesel Multiple Units in February 2020 worth 301 billion rupiah (US$21.4 million).

DHL 9001 is still not operational due to a faulty generator and is relegated to Tutuban Yard in Manila while awaiting for parts from Indonesia.

On 22 October 2024, Rains brought by Tropical Storm Trami (2024) (local name Kristine) , registered as high as 578.9 mm in just one day.

INKA DHL 9002 was in Legazpi City and not affected by the flood and currently serves Naga City - Sipocot, [16] On February 14, 2025, The INKA DHL 9002 started it's Trial Run from Naga - Legazpi v.v in preparation for the return of the route/line on February 26, 2025.

Naga - Legazpi line is set to return after the rehabilitation of trainsets due to flooding on Naga station brought by Tropical Storm Trami (2024) (local name Kristine) last October 2024 but only from 6 trips to 2 trips a day due to 1 remaining trainset INKA DHL 9003, already rehabilitated but still awaiting a spare parts from Indonesia.