Nusantara Explorer, A New Way to Experience Indonesia by Rail

As KAI prepares to celebrate its 81st Anniversary, exploring Indonesia is set to become an even more distinctive experience. Nusantara Explorer is being developed as a tourism train that combines rail travel with Indonesia’s natural landscapes, culture, local hospitality, and local wisdom.

The Nusantara Explorer trainset traveled from Bandung to Jakarta as part of the preparation stages before introducing its tourism journey experience to the public. More than simply connecting one destination to another, the train is designed to make the journey itself an essential part of the travel experience.

Developed by KAI personnel at Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng, Nusantara Explorer features interior designs and facilities that showcase a strong Indonesian character. The concept was inspired by the President of the Republic of Indonesia to combine Indonesia’s natural tourism potential with local hospitality, local wisdom, and Indonesian culture through rail travel.

The experience is designed by bringing together the beauty of Indonesia’s landscapes along the railway route with a comfortable atmosphere inside the train. This makes the journey part of the travel story itself, from the scenery along the route to the experiences enjoyed on board.

Throughout its development, Nusantara Explorer has also undergone several improvements based on feedback received after it was previously used by the President of the Republic of Indonesia. The improvements include air circulation, communication and internet connectivity, as well as hot water facilities to further enhance passenger comfort.

Nusantara Explorer is the result of an interior modification of the Luxury Sleeper train, carried out at Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng. The train features several spaces with distinct characteristics, including Signature Class, Advance Class, Compact Class, Lounge, Grand Restaurant, and Kitchen & Crew.

A single trainset can accommodate up to 91 passengers, consisting of 36 passengers in the private room area and 55 passengers in the Lounge and Grand Restaurant areas.

Beyond private spaces, Nusantara Explorer also offers relaxing areas and supporting facilities that provide passengers with different ways to enjoy their journey. The Lounge and Grand Restaurant complete the experience with a more comfortable atmosphere and additional spaces for passengers to unwind along the way.

In terms of operational readiness, the first development phase of Nusantara Explorer has reached 100 percent completion. All components, including Signature Class, Advance Class, Compact Class, Lounge, Grand Restaurant, and Kitchen & Crew, have been completed.

The train’s readiness is further supported by a certification process conducted with the Directorate General of Railways. Nusantara Explorer underwent its first test from September 1–4, 2026, as part of the process to ensure the train’s readiness before being introduced for tourism journeys.

Indonesia’s diverse attractions are also an essential part of the Nusantara Explorer concept. Along the journey, passengers can enjoy scenic landscapes, heritage areas, as well as Indonesian-inspired ornaments and services featured throughout the train.

Indonesia is home to a wide range of tourism destinations and heritage areas waiting to be explored. Its network of stations and heritage sites across various regions also creates opportunities to connect the experience on board with destinations along the railway route.

Through Nusantara Explorer, KAI continues to develop innovative services and offer more diverse travel experiences for passengers. The combination of comfort, scenery, culture, and Indonesia’s tourism potential makes rail travel more than simply reaching a destination—it is about enjoying every moment along the way.

Celebrating KAI’s 81st Anniversary, Nusantara Explorer marks another step toward strengthening rail-based tourism while introducing the many faces of Indonesia through a journey filled with stories, culture, and memorable experiences.