Suite Class Compartment Grows 47.8 Percent, Railways Support the Asta Cita Agenda for Tourism and Equitable Economic Growth
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded positive performance for its Suite Class Compartment service throughout 2025, serving 42,118 customers, a 47.8 percent increase from 28,496 customers in 2024. This growth reflects the growing public interest in long-distance travel that prioritizes privacy, comfort, and quality experiences.
This achievement is in line with the government’s policy direction to promote quality tourism, equitable economic growth across regions, and sustainable public transportation, as outlined in the Asta Cita and the national development agenda.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said that this positive trend reflects a shift in the way people perceive travel.
“Train travel is no longer viewed merely as a means of getting from one city to another, but has become part of the travel experience itself. We designed the Suite Class Compartment to provide a personal, peaceful, and high-quality journey. When travel becomes comfortable and memorable, interest in tourism grows, and its economic impact reaches destination areas,” said Anne.
On a monthly basis, July 2025 recorded the highest number of customers at 5,157, followed by December 2025 with 4,906 customers. The increase coincided with the school holiday season, year-end holidays, and the rise in family trips and premium travelers visiting various destinations.
The increased use of the Suite Class Compartment also contributed to economic activity around stations and tourist destinations. Comfortable travel supports tourism visits and drives the hospitality, culinary, onward transportation, and local MSME sectors. Longer-distance journeys also provide more opportunities for tourists to extend their stays, increasing tourism spending and allowing the economic benefits to reach a wider range of communities.
“This is in line with the government’s program to position tourism as a driver of regional economic growth, job creation, and local economic development. Railways serve as a key link between regions, ensuring that growth is not concentrated only in major cities but is distributed across various areas,” Anne added.
From an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) perspective, strengthening premium railway services also supports sustainable tourism. Railways are a mass transportation mode with a lower emissions footprint than private vehicles and aircraft for medium-distance travel, encouraging a shift toward more environmentally friendly mobility. As more tourists choose rail travel, travel-related emissions can be reduced while helping preserve the environmental quality of destinations.
From a social perspective, the availability of high-quality services also improves the inclusivity of access to tourism, creates economic opportunities for local businesses, and strengthens the involvement of MSMEs around stations and tourist areas. The resulting economic activity benefits not only major cities but also the regions that serve as travel destinations.
From a governance perspective, KAI continues to ensure that service development is carried out with consistent safety standards, service quality, and operational transparency. Service innovations are introduced through measurable planning processes that focus on customer needs and remain aligned with long-term sustainability principles.
The Suite Class Compartment was first launched on October 10, 2023, at Gambir Station. Each trainset features 16 private compartments with automatic sliding doors, seats that recline up to 180 degrees, massage and seat-heating features, a Train Onboard Infotainment System, and full meal services. These facilities support the growing trend of experience-based tourism while encouraging more organized and comfortable travel.
Currently, the Suite Class Compartment is operated on:
• KA Bima, serving the Gambir–Surabaya Gubeng (PP) route
• KA Argo Semeru, serving the Gambir–Surabaya Gubeng (PP) route
• KA Argo Bromo Anggrek, serving the Gambir–Surabaya Pasar Turi (PP) route
KAI continues to introduce service innovations that are relevant to the needs of the public, while strengthening the role of railways as the backbone of national transportation in supporting quality tourism, equitable development, and sustainable economic growth.
VP Corporate Communication KAI