Nusantara Explorer Train is Ready for Tourism, Route Can Reach Banyuwangi

Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi. (Teddy Kurniawan VOI)

JAKARTA - The government is preparing the Nusantara Explorer Train as a tourist service with a route based on demand. Long-distance travel from Jakarta to Banyuwangi is also considered.

Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi said the train had been tested and used by President Prabowo Subianto. A number of improvements will be made based on the President's input.

"Yesterday we just tried it, but we have already used it. The President has tried the first use," said Dudy at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Thursday, August 6.

"Later we will perfect it based on input from the President. Then we will prepare it for tourism," he continued.

According to Dudy, Nusantara Explorer is not prepared with one fixed route. The journey will be adjusted to user demand, while the operational techniques are handled by KAI.

"Meanwhile, for tourism, it is on request. Technically, KAI will regulate it. This is more of a train for tourism," he said.

In the trial, the train has traveled to Yogyakarta and Semarang. The government also opened the possibility of a route to Surabaya.

Dudy said that the journey to Banyuwangi can be served if there is a request from tourists. The southern route is considered to offer views along the way.

"Yesterday there was a thought, for example from Jakarta to Banyuwangi because the route is south to see the scenery," said Dudy.

"If the request is to Banyuwangi, yes it will be served," he said.

Dudy has not detailed the tariffs, operating schedule, or time for the Nusantara Explorer service to be marketed. The route and technical arrangements for the journey are then in the hands of KAI.