Passenger Activity Rises by Up to 108% as More Cities Attract Rail Travelers

Weekends offer an opportunity to explore new destinations, from discovering local cuisine and historical landmarks to enjoying nature with family. This growing variety of travel interests is reflected in increased passenger activity at several railway stations across Indonesia during 2026.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded growth in passenger activity at several stations from January to September 2026 compared with the same period in the previous year. Passenger activity represents the combined number of passengers boarding and alighting at a station. According to KAI data, Bogor Paledang Station recorded the highest growth, at 108.61%.

The following ten stations recorded notable increases in passenger activity from January to September 2026:

1. Bogor Paledang Station: increased from 395,471 to 825,011 passenger movements, up 108.61%.

2. Purwakarta Station: increased from 201,953 to 321,384 passenger movements, up 59.14%.

3. Air Tawar Station: increased from 258,929 to 330,554 passenger movements, up 27.66%.

4. Purwosari Station: increased from 404,603 to 494,319 passenger movements, up 22.17%.

5. Karawang Station: increased from 251,303 to 306,533 passenger movements, up 21.98%.

6. Weleri Station: increased from 310,031 to 369,880 passenger movements, up 19.30%.

7. Cilacap Station: increased from 305,180 to 358,605 passenger movements, up 17.51%.

8. Garut Station: increased from 282,518 to 330,612 passenger movements, up 17.02%.

9. Cepu Station: increased from 442,512 to 516,521 passenger movements, up 16.72%.

10. Semarang Tawang Station: increased from 2,853,733 to 3,329,748 passenger movements, up 16.68%.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba explained that the growth reflects the diverse travel needs of people across different cities. Rail services support not only work and education but also family visits, tourism, and opportunities to explore regional cuisine and culture.

In West Java, Bogor offers attractions such as Bogor Botanical Gardens, the area surrounding Bogor Palace, and a variety of local culinary destinations. Purwakarta is home to Jatiluhur Reservoir, Situ Wanayasa, Mount Parang, and Mount Lembu. Garut, meanwhile, offers natural attractions including Mount Papandayan, Santolo Beach, and Sayang Heulang Beach, along with a range of local specialties.

Traveling through Central Java also presents plenty of options. Cilacap is known for Teluk Penyu Beach and Benteng Pendem. In Cepu, visitors can explore teak forest landscapes, take the Loco Tour to discover railway history, and sample Blora's local cuisine. In Semarang, arrival at Semarang Tawang Station provides access to the Old Town area, while Lawang Sewu, Chinatown, Sam Poo Kong, and various culinary destinations offer more ways to experience the city.

In West Sumatra, passenger activity at Air Tawar Station forms part of the wider mobility around Padang. The city offers destinations such as Padang Beach, the Old Town area, and Air Manis Beach, alongside the rich culinary traditions of Minangkabau. Purwosari, Karawang, and Weleri also serve passengers traveling to surrounding areas for a variety of purposes.

Anne explained that the increase in passenger activity does not specifically indicate growth in tourist numbers, as people travel for many different reasons. Nevertheless, the figures offer insight into the diverse movement of passengers across KAI's railway network.

With train services connecting different cities, travelers can plan trips based on their available time and interests, whether to sample local specialties, explore historical districts, enjoy nature, or visit family. Each station can serve as a starting point for discovering the distinctive experiences and character of destinations across Indonesia.