Tomorrow, Kereta Merdeka to Mark August 17 with Red-and-White Decorations and Activities at Stations and Onboard Trains
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI) will bring a different atmosphere to train journeys on Independence Day, August 17, 2026. Through the Kereta Merdeka program, the spirit of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day celebrations will accompany customers from the moment they arrive at the station until they reach their destination.
The series of activities will include the unfurling of a giant Red-and-White flag atop a train, competitions at selected stations and dining cars, as well as Merdeka Class Upgrades and Merdeka Meals for selected customers.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said that train journeys on August 17 will become part of the Independence Day celebrations taking place across various cities.
“Every August 17 brings a sense of joy that is deeply connected to the community. This year, KAI wants to bring that atmosphere into the journey so that customers can experience the spirit of independence from the station until they arrive at their destination,” Anne said.
One of the planned activities is the unfurling of a giant Red-and-White flag atop KA Argo Sindoro (Train No. 17) on the Semarang Tawang–Gambir route at 10:00 a.m. WIB on August 17, 2026. The activity is also planned as part of an attempt to break a record recognized by the Indonesian Record Museum (MURI).
The Independence Day celebrations will also feature competitions open to the public at 14 stations: Gambir, Bandung, Cirebon, Yogyakarta, Semarang Tawang, Purwokerto, Madiun, Surabaya Gubeng, Surabaya Pasarturi, Jember, Kertapati, Medan, Padang, and Tanjung Karang.
The festive atmosphere will also continue onboard. Activities will be held in the dining cars of KA Argo Dwipangga (Train No. 16), KA Argo Wilis (Train No. 10), KA Argo Sindoro (Train No. 17), KA Taksaka (Train No. 43), and KA Argo Bromo Anggrek (Train No. 1).
“Stations and train journeys bring together people with different destinations. On Independence Day, we want them to share one common atmosphere—one that is warm, festive, and filled with pride in Indonesia,” Anne said.
KAI will also offer Merdeka Class Upgrades and Merdeka Meals. Selected customers will have the opportunity to receive complimentary class upgrades and meals during their journey.
The entire Kereta Merdeka program has been prepared to make train journeys on August 17 more memorable while giving customers the opportunity to enjoy Independence Day traditions that are familiar and deeply rooted in Indonesian society.
“Tomorrow’s journey on August 17 will bring more stories. There will be Red-and-White celebrations, competitions, surprises for customers, and a sense of togetherness that we hope will accompany them throughout their journey,” Anne concluded.
Through Kereta Merdeka, KAI invites the public to celebrate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day with a shared spirit across cities and throughout railway journeys.
VP Corporate Communication KAI