Take Note! Here Are Six Reasons Why You Should Travel Home for Eid Using the Train
As Eid al-Fitr 1444 Hijri approaches, Indonesians often return to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families. There are many transportation options for this homecoming (mudik), one of which is by train. There are several reasons why you should consider using the train for your 2023 Eid homecoming journey.
“At the 2023 Eid Transportation period, KAI Group has prepared 6,936,532 seats for long-distance and local train services that can be used by the public during the Eid holiday travel period,” said KAI Vice President Public Relations Joni Martinus.
Here are the reasons why you should travel for Eid 2023 with KAI:
1. Prioritizing safety
You don’t need to worry during your homecoming trip by train, because all KAI personnel will ensure passengers reach their hometown safely. KAI, together with railway stakeholders, conducted inspections across various regions in Java starting in March. These inspections aimed to check KAI’s readiness in terms of all aspects ahead of the 2023 Eid transportation period. All aspects of safety and service are checked before and during the operation period, including rolling stock, infrastructure, personnel, and passenger facilities both at stations and on trains.
To improve operational safety during the Eid period, KAI added infrastructure personnel, including 345 Level Crossing Guards (PJL), 363 Track Inspectors (PPJ), and 180 Special Monitoring Area officers (Dapsus).
In addition, for safety and security (kamtib) measures across trains, stations, and railway lines, KAI coordinated with local authorities and increased operational security. KAI deployed 1,256 Railway Police (Polsuska), 2,467 security personnel, and 442 external TNI/Polri officers.
KAI also routinely checks disaster-prone points, proactively mitigates potential hazards, ensures readiness of emergency systems, and strengthens supervision at illegal crossings in coordination with stakeholders and local communities.
In addition, KAI ensured the reliability of rolling stock and infrastructure together with the Ministry of Transportation through ramp checks. A total of 478 locomotives and 1,706 freight cars were prepared to operate.
KAI also established Eid transportation posts from 14 April to 2 May 2023, ensuring maximum service readiness, including human resources, facilities, and infrastructure.
2. Healthy and comfortable travel
Although COVID-19 has subsided, KAI continues to implement health protocols in accordance with Ministry of Transportation Circular SE No. 84/2022 and Ministry of Health Circular HK.02.02/II/3984/2022. Passengers aged 18 and above must have received a booster vaccine.
KAI continues to follow government regulations and will immediately adjust if policies change.
“We emphasize that all prospective passengers must read and understand the travel requirements that automatically appear and must be agreed to when purchasing tickets,” said Joni.
[The article continues detailing vaccination requirements for different age groups and vaccination services at stations.]
3. Punctual travel
Train travel is more predictable in terms of time because trains operate on dedicated tracks without traffic congestion. Train departures and arrivals follow fixed schedules.
“Currently, train on-time performance is 99.6%. Passengers do not need to spend excessive time traveling because schedules are fixed and efficient,” said Joni.
4. Accessibility
KAI stations reach many cities, regencies, and even districts that may not be easily accessible by other modes of transport. Many stations are also located in city centers, making access easier for passengers.
5. Service improvements
KAI has introduced various innovations to improve services during the Eid transportation period, including:
a. 143 Mobile Customer Service officers at 32 stations
b. Additional cleaning personnel, including 318 station cleaners, 74 onboard cleaners, and 196 train washing staff
c. Redesigned Luxury Train service and lounge experience
d. Improved Executive Lounge services at 8 major stations
e. Free iftar meals (34,400 packages) at 21 stations
f. Drinking Water Stations at major stations
g. Reading corners with 1,905 children’s books at selected stations
h. Face Recognition Boarding Gates at several major stations
KAI also provides door prizes and thematic decorations at stations and trains.
6. Anti-boring travel
To make journeys more enjoyable, passengers can access free WiFi on selected trains and enjoy the Entertainment on Board (EoB) feature via KAI Access. EoB is currently available on the Taksaka train service (Gambir–Yogyakarta round trip).
KAI also provides board games on the Taksaka Hype Trip, such as Uno, Jenga, flash cards, and snakes and ladders. Passengers can also choose morning, afternoon, or evening trips to enjoy scenic views.
Passengers also have access to charging ports at their seats and can enjoy onboard meals.
That concludes six reasons why you should travel by train for Eid. KAI is committed to continuously improving services, especially during the Eid transportation period.
“Traveling by train during Eid reduces the risk of accidents and road congestion, allowing people to enjoy the holiday safely and happily,” concluded Joni.
The Reason Why You Should Go Home for the Holidays by Train