KAI Presents Rail Heritage Forum 2026, Inviting the Public to Discover Railway Heritage

Planning a visit to Semarang? Lawang Sewu Museum is one destination worth adding to your itinerary. Beyond admiring its historic architecture, visitors can discover Indonesia’s railway heritage through the collections and historical stories preserved inside.

To further introduce this heritage to the public, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) will hold the Rail Heritage Forum 2026 on November 9, 2026, at Lawang Sewu Museum in Semarang. Carrying the theme 1867 & Beyond: Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future, the event will provide a platform for discussions on historical preservation, the utilization of heritage assets, and the development of railway educational tourism.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba explained that railways have been part of Indonesian society for 159 years. Their history is not only connected to the development of transportation but also to urban growth, economic activities, and various events in the nation's struggle for independence. Through Rail Heritage Forum 2026, KAI aims to encourage the public, particularly younger generations, to discover the stories behind railway history and recognize the potential of railway heritage as both a learning space and an appealing tourism destination.

KAI currently manages several heritage destinations that are open to visitors. In Central Java, these include Lawang Sewu Museum and Ambarawa Railway Museum. Visitors can also explore railway history at Bondowoso Railway and Railway Line Museum in East Java and Sawahlunto Railway Museum in West Sumatra.

Each destination has its own historical character, covering the development of locomotive technology, the early construction of railway networks, mining history, and the role of railways in Indonesia’s struggle for independence. These diverse stories give each museum a unique experience for visitors who want to learn more about Indonesia’s railway heritage.

In addition to managing museums, KAI owns 656 heritage assets that have been designated as cultural heritage or are currently undergoing the designation process. These assets include stations, buildings, bridges, railway equipment, and various other historical structures that form part of Indonesia’s railway legacy.

As part of its heritage activities, KAI will also introduce the historical route of Kedungjati–Tuntang–Ambarawa. The route is connected to the early development of railways in Central Java and represents part of the region’s historical heritage, with potential for further development as a tourism attraction.

Anne hopes that Rail Heritage Forum 2026 will encourage more people to visit railway museums, discover the stories behind each historical relic, and take part in preserving this heritage for future generations.

Through this event, KAI invites the public to see railway museums not merely as places where relics of the past are stored, but also as educational tourism destinations offering a more engaging and accessible way to explore history. So, when visiting Semarang, make sure to add Lawang Sewu Museum to your itinerary and discover more about Indonesia’s railway journey.