Tracing 159 Years of Railway History, KAI Invites the Public to Explore Kedungjati–Tuntang

It is more than just a journey. Through KAI Explore, the public is invited to take a closer look at the long story of Indonesia’s railway history along the Kedungjati–Tuntang railway line in Semarang Regency, Central Java. Through an exploration of Kedungjati Station and Tuntang Station, the journey offers participants an opportunity to discover the history as well as the potential of an area that still holds many stories.

Held on September 8–9, 2026, the activity offered a thematic travel experience for communities of writers, content creators, and history and railway enthusiasts. Participants were invited to directly explore historical traces, heritage buildings, and the potential of the areas surrounding the Kedungjati–Tuntang railway line.

Through KAI Explore, the public can discover Indonesia’s long railway journey from a closer and more engaging perspective. Railway lines, stations, and their surrounding areas are all part of the story of national transportation development that has continued from one era to another.

The Kedungjati–Tuntang railway line is closely connected to the history of railway network development in Java. The line is part of the Kedungjati–Ambarawa route, which was built by NIS and began operating on May 21, 1873.

At the time, the line served as a connection between Kedungjati, Ambarawa, and the surrounding areas. Its journey of more than a century has become an important part of Indonesia’s 159-year railway history.

To commemorate this journey, participants of KAI Explore were invited to learn about the development of railway services through visits to Kedungjati Station and Tuntang Station, discussions with stakeholders, and exploration of the potential of the areas surrounding the railway line.

Kedungjati Station is one of the important points in the railway network in Central Java. Based on data from January–August 2026, the station recorded 13,132 customer activities, consisting of 6,700 departing customers and 6,432 arriving customers.

Tuntang Station is equally interesting, as it holds historical value as one of the oldest railway stations in Indonesia. The station was built starting in 1871 and began operating on May 21, 1873, featuring distinctive NIS architectural characteristics. The Tuntang area is also connected to the development of railway heritage tourism through the Ambarawa Railway Museum area.

KAI Explore provides a space to see that railways are not only about transportation, but are also closely connected to history, culture, regional development, and the lives of surrounding communities. For this reason, opportunities to learn about railway heritage continue to be opened through collaboration with the public, communities, and various stakeholders.

The KAI Explore series is packaged around the concept of Experience, Explore, and Express. Participants experience the locations directly, explore the assets and areas surrounding the railway line, and then share their perspectives through articles, photographs, and social media content.

Through this activity, the Kedungjati–Tuntang railway line is reintroduced not only as part of railway history, but also as an area with potential in terms of heritage, tourism, regional connectivity, and the economic activities of surrounding communities.