JAKARTA - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded an increase in the number of foreign tourists who use the Long Distance Train (KA) service throughout Semester I 2026 reaching 308,874 foreign tourists or an increase of 2.54 percent compared to the same period last year which reached 301,219 passengers.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said the trend showed that trains were increasingly becoming a transportation option for foreign tourists in exploring various destinations in Indonesia.
According to him, traveling by train is not only a means of intercity mobility, but also provides a typical tourist experience through natural scenery and community life that can be enjoyed throughout the journey.
"The train gives a unique travel experience. Tourists can enjoy the views of rice fields, mountains, rivers, urban areas, to heritage areas from behind the train window. The journey becomes part of the story of their vacation in Indonesia," he said in a statement, quoted Sunday, July 5.
KAI also noted the trend of an increase in the number of foreign tourists using Long Distance Trains in recent years, namely in 2022, the number reached 300,708 passengers, then increased to 580,995 passengers in 2023, increased to 669,226 passengers in 2024, and again increased to 694,123 passengers throughout 2025.
Cumulatively, the number of foreign tourists using Long Distance Trains increased by 130.83 percent in the period 2022 to 2025.
Anne assessed that this growth reflects the increasing importance of the role of railways in supporting connectivity to various tourist destinations.
He added that long-distance train services connect major cities, cultural areas, culinary centers, natural attractions, and various destinations that are favorite destinations for tourists.
The following are the 10 stations with the highest number of departures of foreign tourists in Semester I 2026:
1. Gambir: 50,067 foreign tourists2. Yogyakarta: 49,202 foreign tourists3. Bandung: 28,078 foreign tourists4. Pasarsenen: 16,980 foreign tourists5. Surabaya Gubeng: 15,514 foreign tourists6. Semarang Tawang: 11,668 foreign tourists7. Malang: 9,881 foreign tourists8. Surabaya Pasar Turi: 7,899 foreign tourists9. Cirebon: 6,474 foreign tourists10. Probolinggo: 6,152 foreign tourists
Overall, a total of 201,915 foreign tourists or around 65.37 percent of the total users of Long Distance Trains in Semester I 2026 departed from these 10 stations.
According to him, this shows that KAI's main stations are still the main gateway for tourist mobility to various flagship destinations in Indonesia.
"KAI sees the journey of foreign tourists by train as part of the promotion of the charm of Indonesia. Each crossing presents a different experience, ranging from natural scenery, city faces, service friendliness, to ease of access to tourist destinations," he said.
To support the improvement of services, Anne said KAI continues to carry out various improvements, ranging from improving the quality of facilities, cleanliness, safety, punctuality, to ease of booking tickets through the Access by KAI application.
He said the company also continues to strengthen service integration so that customer travel is more practical from the planning stage to arrival at the destination.
Anne added that the increasing number of foreign tourists who use the train also has a positive impact on the local economy.
According to him, their presence encourages the activities of various sectors, ranging from hotels, culinary, transportation, tour guide services, UMKM players, to the economy of the community around the station and tourist areas.
"The train is a link that brings tourists together with many stories about Indonesia. KAI will continue to provide a safe, comfortable, and memorable journey so that more and more foreign tourists choose the train as part of their vacation," concluded Anne.
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