GAPEKA 2026 Shortens Subsidized Train Journeys by Up to 92 Minutes

Traveling by subsidized economy train is set to become more time-efficient. Through the implementation of the 2026 Train Travel Graphic (GAPEKA), effective December 1, 2026, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI) is reducing travel times on selected Public Service Obligation (PSO) train journeys by up to 92 minutes. The adjustments allow passengers to reach their destinations sooner while continuing to benefit from affordable rail transportation.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that shorter travel times are among the direct benefits passengers can experience under GAPEKA 2026. For long-distance intercity journeys, these time savings provide greater flexibility for passengers to arrange their activities at their destinations.

The largest reduction applies to KA Kahuripan from Blitar to Kiaracondong. Compared with GAPEKA 2025, the journey is shortened by 92 minutes, or 1 hour and 32 minutes. This improvement benefits passengers traveling from East Java to Bandung and surrounding areas for education, work, and family visits.

Passengers traveling on KA Airlangga along the Jakarta–Surabaya corridor will also benefit from shorter journeys. Under GAPEKA 2026, travel time from Surabaya Pasarturi to Pasar Senen is reduced by 52 minutes, while the return direction from Pasar Senen to Surabaya Pasarturi is shortened by 51 minutes. These adjustments help passengers save time when traveling between the two cities using subsidized economy trains.

Several other PSO services have also recorded travel time reductions. KA Serayu from Pasar Senen to Purwokerto via Kroya sees a reduction of up to 31 minutes on journeys KA 318–319. Other KA Serayu journeys are also shortened by 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the direction and train number.

In East Java, KA Probowangi from Surabaya Gubeng to Ketapang is shortened by 12 minutes. Meanwhile, travel time on KA Cikuray from Pasar Senen to Garut is reduced by 7 minutes, KA Bengawan from Purwosari to Pasar Senen by 4 minutes, and KA Tawang Alun from Ketapang to Malang Kota Lama via Bangil by 1 minute.

Anne explained that the adjustments are made through schedule evaluations, train crossing and overtaking arrangements, station stop adjustments, and assessments of infrastructure and facilities along each route. Each change is tailored to the operational characteristics of individual journeys, with safety remaining the top priority.

These service improvements also reflect the high demand for subsidized rail transportation. From January to October 2026, KA Airlangga served 1,102,509 passengers, KA Serayu 1,047,130 passengers, and KA Kahuripan 681,208 passengers. Together, the three services carried 2,830,847 passengers during the first ten months of the year.

During the same period, KA Bengawan served 666,106 passengers, KA Probowangi 597,015 passengers, and KA Cikuray 477,310 passengers. In total, the six PSO services carried 4,571,278 passengers from January to October 2026.

According to Anne, the substantial passenger volume underscores the importance of continuously evaluating train services to better accommodate public mobility needs. Through GAPEKA 2026, KAI focuses on improvements passengers can directly experience, including shorter journeys and more efficient schedules.

Service development is also taking place in Sumatra through increased seating capacity. Intercity train capacity rises from 17,204 to 17,648 seats, an addition of 444 seats. Urban train capacity also increases from 18,432 to 20,176 seats, adding 1,744 seats compared with the previous GAPEKA.

These capacity improvements complement the development of KA Putri Deli, Bukit Serelo, Ekspres Rajabasa, and Kuala Stabas, which support passenger mobility across Sumatra, including regional trade, education, and economic activities.

Anne emphasized that government support through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme enables people to access rail transportation at affordable fares. KAI continues to optimize these services through schedule adjustments, capacity improvements, and operational evaluations to maintain service quality.

Overall, GAPEKA 2026 records 74 intercity train journeys with shorter travel times compared with the previous schedule. The reductions apply to selected journeys, with varying time savings depending on the route and train number.

KAI encourages passengers to check their departure and arrival schedules through the Access by KAI application and the company's official information channels ahead of GAPEKA 2026 implementation on December 1, 2026. These adjustments are expected to further support efficient, comfortable, and affordable journeys for the public.