From Merak to Ketapang, Krueng Mane to Tanjungkarang: Stories from the Ends of the Java–Sumatra Railway Network
Indonesia’s railway network has fascinating stories at its farthest points. On Java, there are Merak Station on the western side and Ketapang Station at the eastern end. On Sumatra, active passenger train services reach Krueng Mane in Aceh on the western side of the network, while Tanjungkarang in Lampung serves as one of the main gateways for train journeys in southeastern Sumatra.
These four stations emerged from different historical journeys. Some developed alongside ports, others became links between coastal cities, while others were part of the development of the railway network more than a century ago. To this day, these stations remain active as part of community mobility.
Vice President of Corporate Communication KAI Anne Purba said that the geographical location of each station gives train journeys their own distinct character.
“It is interesting to see how railway lines reach different parts of Java and Sumatra. In some places, train journeys connect with ports and the sea, while in others, trains serve as a link between communities in different cities. These historical traces are still part of people’s journeys today,” said Anne.
On the western side of Java, Merak Station is located near Merak Port, which connects Java and Sumatra through the Sunda Strait crossing. The railway line to Merak has existed since the early 20th century, and the station continues to serve community travel on the Rangkasbitung–Merak route. The station’s proximity to the port allows journeys to continue to Sumatra via the Merak–Bakauheni crossing.
On the eastern side of Java, the railway line reaches Ketapang Station in Banyuwangi. The history of the railway network in the area began when the railway line to Banyuwangi was opened on February 2, 1903. As the area developed and port activities shifted, the railway network was eventually extended to Ketapang. Today, the station serves as one of the gateways to Banyuwangi, as well as a connection for onward journeys to Bali via the Ketapang–Gilimanuk ferry crossing.
Its activity continues to grow. From January to September 2026, Ketapang Station recorded 615,161 customer boarding and alighting movements, consisting of 292,618 departing customers and 322,543 arriving customers. This number increased by 8.56% compared with the same period in 2025, when the station recorded 566,643 movements.
A different story can be found far to the west of Sumatra. Krueng Mane Station in Aceh is one of the endpoints of active passenger services on the Cut Meutia Train network, which connects Krueng Geukueh, Bungkaih, and Krueng Mane. The service keeps train travel as part of the mobility of communities in Aceh while continuing the long history of railways in northern Sumatra.
Meanwhile, on the southeastern side of Sumatra, Tanjungkarang Station has a history closely connected to the development of railway lines and Panjang Port. Construction began in 1911, and the station was officially inaugurated on June 30, 1914. In its early days, Tanjungkarang served the movement of employees and materials from Panjang Port before developing into one of the main stations in Lampung.
More than a century later, its activity remains strong. From January to September 2026, Tanjungkarang Station recorded 562,993 customer boarding and alighting movements, consisting of 280,094 departing customers and 282,899 arriving customers. This number grew by 13.99% compared with the same period in 2025, when the station recorded 493,881 movements.
Anne said that the existence of these points demonstrates that stations have a broader meaning than simply being places where journeys begin and end.
“From Merak, which faces the Sunda Strait, to Ketapang, which opens the journey to Bali, Krueng Mane in Aceh, and Tanjungkarang, which has grown alongside Lampung’s history, every station has its own regional story. Railway lines connect these stories with people’s lives today, and we want this connectivity to continue providing benefits for travel, the economy, families, and tourism across various regions,” Anne concluded.
VP Corporate Communication KAI