From Additional Seats to New Stations, KAI Expands Travel Options Starting in December

Exploring different cities by train is about to become more convenient. Starting December 1, 2026, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) will introduce service improvements through the implementation of the 2026 Train Travel Schedule (GAPEKA 2026). These adjustments bring increased seating capacity, additional train services, more station stops, and shorter travel times on several routes.

One of the key improvements is the increase in scheduled passenger seating capacity across Java and Sumatra, from 168,316 to 176,782 seats per day. This represents an additional 8,466 seats, or a 5.03 percent increase compared with GAPEKA 2025. The expansion gives passengers more opportunities to find travel options that suit their needs.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said that GAPEKA 2026 was designed to accommodate the public's growing mobility needs. Increased capacity, additional schedules, and more station stops are expected to make train journeys easier to plan.

In Java, intercity train capacity will increase from 132,680 to 137,846 seats per day, an addition of 5,166 seats or 3.89 percent. Meanwhile, capacity in Sumatra will rise from 35,636 to 38,936 seats per day, adding 3,300 seats or 9.26 percent.

Passengers will also have more schedule options. The number of scheduled passenger train services will increase from 1,813 to 1,852 trips, adding 39 trips across Java and Sumatra. This development includes increased frequencies on several routes, giving passengers more departure-time alternatives.

Several new services and additional trips will also be introduced under GAPEKA 2026. These include four scheduled round trips of KA Pandawa on the Semarang Tawang–Solo Balapan–Yogyakarta route. In North Sumatra, there will be one additional trip for KA Datuk Belambangan and four additional trips for KA Sri Lelawangsa. Meanwhile, KA Brawijaya on the Malang–Gambir round-trip route will receive two additional trips.

Beyond schedule options, access to train services will also expand through additional station stops on 84 train services. One of the services receiving the most additional stops is KA Sangkuriang on the Bandung–Ketapang round-trip route, with six additional stations in each direction.

For trains traveling from Bandung to Ketapang, the additional stops are Cibatu, Rajapolah, Kebumen, Tanggul, Kalisetail, and Rogojampi Stations. In the Ketapang–Bandung direction, the additional stops include Rogojampi, Kalisetail, Tanggul, Kebumen, Rajapolah, and Klakah Stations. These adjustments provide more communities with alternative access to KA Sangkuriang services.

The expanded access comes amid strong public demand for KA Sangkuriang. From May to September 2026, the service carried 330,186 passengers. Its average dynamic occupancy rate also reached 240.53 percent during July–September 2026. KAI hopes the additional stops will support journeys to tourist destinations, economic centers, and passengers' hometowns.

Similar adjustments will also apply to other services. KA Manahan will receive additional stops at several stations, including Bekasi, Gombong, and Wates. KA Parahyangan will add stops at Plered, Cikarang, Karawang, and Cikampek. Meanwhile, KA Kaligung will make additional stops at Kaliwungu, Comal, and Plabuan on selected trips.

Travel will also become more time-efficient with journey-time adjustments. Under GAPEKA 2026, 74 intercity train services will have shorter travel times compared with GAPEKA 2025. The largest reduction will be on KA Kahuripan, operating between Blitar and Kiaracondong, with a 92-minute shorter journey. Other improvements include KA Pasundan on the Surabaya Gubeng–Kiaracondong route, reduced by 53 minutes; KA Airlangga on the Surabaya Pasarturi–Pasar Senen route, reduced by 52 minutes; KA Batavia on the Solo Balapan–Gambir route, reduced by 51 minutes; KA Airlangga on the Pasar Senen–Surabaya Pasarturi route, reduced by 51 minutes; and KA Sangkuriang from Ketapang to Bandung, reduced by 46 minutes.

Anne explained that journey-time adjustments take into account route characteristics, infrastructure and rolling stock readiness, as well as train operation arrangements and stopping patterns. Each adjustment is designed to provide travel options that better suit passengers' needs.

These service improvements also reflect growing public mobility. From January to October 2026, KAI Group served 442,529,105 passengers, an increase of 6.86 percent compared with 414,116,947 passengers during the same period in the previous year. Specifically, KAI's long-distance and local train services carried 49,932,766 passengers, up 8.99 percent from 45,814,275 passengers in January–October 2025.

Through GAPEKA 2026, KAI continues to expand travel options and make it easier for people to reach various destinations, whether for holidays, work, family visits, or other activities. Start planning your journey for December 1, 2026, onwards by checking the latest schedules, station stops, and ticket availability through the Access by KAI application. Choose the journey that suits you and enjoy an even wider range of train travel options.