JAKARTA - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded 694,123 foreign tourists using long-distance train services throughout 2025, reflecting the growth of tourism and global confidence in Indonesian train transportation.
"During the 2025 period, a total of 694,123 foreign tourists were recorded traveling by long-distance train, an increase of 3.7 percent compared to 2024 which reached 669,226 tourists," said KAI Corporate Communication Vice President Anne Purba as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, January 12.
He said the growth trend has been consistent in recent years.
In 2023, the number of foreign tourists who used the train was recorded at 580,995 tourists, while in 2022 there were 300,708 tourists.
According to Anne, this continued increase confirms the role of the train as the main mode of transportation for international tourists in reaching various flagship destinations in Indonesia.
This achievement is in line with the government's policy direction in encouraging the strengthening of the country's foreign exchange through the tourism sector, as well as accelerating the transformation towards low-emission mobility and sustainable tourism.
Intercity connectivity that is directly connected to tourist areas strengthens Indonesia's competitiveness as a global destination, while ensuring that foreign tourists' spending is spread to various areas.
Anne said the increase in the number of foreign tourists reflected the increasing global confidence in train services in Indonesia.
He said that every foreign tourist who uses the train not only travels, but also brings the potential for foreign exchange through tourism shopping, accommodation, culinary, and local products.
"At the same time, the use of trains supports a more environmentally friendly journey, so that tourism grows without sacrificing sustainability," said Anne.
On a monthly basis, the peak use of train services by foreign tourists in 2025 occurred in July with 89,526 customers and August with 89,116 customers, in line with increasing international tourist mobility during the holiday season.
KAI recorded the 10 highest departure stations for foreign tourists in 2025, namely Yogyakarta 126,768 tourists; Gambir (114,877); Bandung (70,271); Pasar Senen (38,669); Surabaya Gubeng (31,713); Malang (25,874); Semarang Tawang; 23,695); Probolinggo (20,540); Surabaya Pasar Turi (14,798); and Solo Balapan (13,566).
These stations are the main nodes for travel to cultural, natural, and urban tourist areas. The connectivity provided by the train also drives the hospitality sector, advanced transportation, culinary, MSMEs, and creative economy around the station and destination.
"This chain of activities is the main channel for the entry of foreign exchange and strengthening the regional economic structure," explained Anne.
In addition to having an impact on the economy, the use of trains by foreign tourists also supports low-carbon tourism.
As a mass transportation mode with lower emission levels compared to private vehicles and planes for medium distances, trains contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of tourist travel.
This is in line with Indonesia's commitment to Net Zero Emission 2060 and strengthening Indonesia's image as an environmentally friendly destination.
"The train ensures that the benefits of tourism foreign exchange do not only stop at the country's entrance, but flow to the destination area. This is a tangible form of the contribution of public transportation in strengthening the national economy while maintaining environmental sustainability," added Anne.
KAI is committed to strengthening its role in the national tourism ecosystem through improving service quality, strengthening travel digitization, and intermodal integration to support the transformation of KAI as a global competitive railway operator and a strategic partner of the government in the development of sustainable tourism.
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