Over 304,000 Customers Travel on Mutiara Timur Train, Connecting Surabaya and Banyuwangi to Bali

The Mutiara Timur Train continues to be a travel option for customers journeying from Surabaya to destinations across eastern Java and Ketapang, Banyuwangi. From January to September 2026, the service carried 304,522 customers, up 22.78% from 248,021 customers during the same period in 2025.

The growth comes alongside strong travel activity to Banyuwangi. Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) East Java Province recorded 1,846,509 domestic tourist trips to Banyuwangi Regency from January to April 2026. The monthly figures were 440,889 trips in January, 339,120 in February, 672,300 in March, and 394,200 in April.

Vice President of Corporate Communication KAI Anne Purba explained that the Mutiara Timur Train offers an attractive travel connection by linking Surabaya with several cities in eastern Java while providing access to various tourism destinations. From Surabaya, customers can travel to Banyuwangi and continue their journey to Bali through Ketapang.

The Mutiara Timur Train operates round trips between Surabaya and Ketapang, offering Executive and Economy Class services. On selected trips, customers can also travel in the Panoramic Train, which offers a wider field of view to enjoy the scenery along the journey.

Banyuwangi itself remains a popular destination, particularly during holiday periods. The Banyuwangi Regency Government recorded 240,632 domestic and international tourists visiting the area during the Eid holiday from March 18–29, 2026. During the extended holiday from May 27–June 1, 2026, visits reached 90,968 tourists, consisting of 89,870 domestic tourists and 1,098 international tourists.

The journey can then continue to Ketapang Station, located near Ketapang Port. From January to September 2026, Ketapang Station recorded 615,161 customer movements for boarding and alighting, up 8.56% from 566,643 movements during the same period in 2025. Of this total, 292,618 customers departed from the station, while 322,543 arrived at Ketapang Station.

From Ketapang Station, customers can continue to Ketapang Port and take a ferry to Gilimanuk, Bali. The high level of mobility along this corridor was evident on May 31, 2026. During the return flow of the extended holiday period, ASDP recorded 29,075 passengers and 9,092 vehicles crossing the Ketapang–Gilimanuk route in a single day.

This connectivity means that a customer’s journey does not have to end when the train arrives at the station. Travel can continue to various cities and destinations in Banyuwangi before connecting with ferry services to Bali. This movement also supports local transportation, accommodation, culinary businesses, trade, and tourism activities in the region.

Moving forward, KAI continues to view intermodal connectivity as an important part of expanding travel options for the public. By connecting railway stations with ports and various destinations, rail travel can provide wider access for people to explore, visit family, and contribute to economic activity in local communities.