Exploring Malang–Purwokerto Becomes Increasingly Popular: KA Kertanegara Serves 168,085 Customers
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) noted that the KA Kertanegara on the Malang–Purwokerto round-trip (pp) route is becoming increasingly popular among customers. Throughout January–May 2026, KA Kertanegara served 168,085 customers, an increase of 5.29 percent compared to the same period in 2025, which saw 159,637 customers.
Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, Anne Purba, stated that this growth demonstrates that KA Kertanegara plays an important role in connecting people in East Java, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, and Central Java through Java's central line.
“KA Kertanegara provides customers with a comfortable travel choice to reach Malang, Blitar, Kediri, Madiun, Solo, Yogyakarta, Kebumen, all the way to Purwokerto. This route is highly relevant for families, students, university students, workers, business actors, and tourists who need scheduled and interconnected transportation between regions,”
The increase in KA Kertanegara passengers appeared quite strong in several months. In March 2026, KA Kertanegara served 41,282 customers, an increase of 65.94 percent compared to March 2025 with 24,877 customers. In May 2026, the number of customers also rose to 35,807 from 31,811 customers in May 2025.
KA Kertanegara began operations on March 10, 2021. The name Kertanegara was inspired by King Kertanagara, the last king of the Singasari Kingdom who ruled around 1268–1292. The selection of this name provides a historical closeness to the Greater Malang area (Malang Raya), while presenting a strong travel identity on the Malang–Purwokerto line.
This service provides executive and premium economy classes, allowing customers to choose a travel experience that suits their needs, ranging from family trips, work agendas, educational visits, to weekend tourism.
The travel route of KA Kertanegara also offers many options for boarding and alighting points. From the Greater Malang side, customers can access Malang, Malang Kotalama, and Kepanjen stations, which are close to educational areas, culinary spots, public services, and family tourist destinations. After that, the journey continues to Wlingi, Blitar, Tulungagung, Kediri, Kertosono, Nganjuk, Caruban, and Madiun, which host community activities, trade, education, as well as local historical and culinary tourism potential.
Entering Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, KA Kertanegara stops at Sragen, Solo Balapan, Klaten, and Yogyakarta. This series of stations opens access to cultural areas, batik centers, culinary hubs, campuses, creative spaces, and family tourist destinations that serve as attractions for customers from various regions.
The journey then continues to Kutoarjo, Kebumen, Kroya, and up to Purwokerto. These stopping points expand customer access to the regions of Purworejo, Kebumen, Cilacap, Banyumas, as well as the surrounding natural and culinary tourism areas. With this travel pattern, KA Kertanegara becomes an intercity connector that helps the public reach many interests within a single travel line.
Anne stated that the existence of KA Kertanegara also brings benefits to the local economy. Customers disembarking at various stopping stations have the potential to drive secondary transportation activities, culinary arts, lodging, MSMEs (UMKM), tourist destinations, and community services around the stations.
“Every stopping station has a story and benefits for its region. There are customers heading to campus, meeting family, working, traveling, or running a business. KAI wants journeys with KA Kertanegara to feel pleasant from departure, comfortable during the trip, and to bring value to the cities it passes through,”
KAI invites customers to plan their journeys earlier, especially on weekends and during school holiday periods. Information on schedules, fares, and seat availability for KA Kertanegara can be checked regularly through the Access by KAI application, the official KAI website, and other official sales channels.
“Through KA Kertanegara, the Malang–Purwokerto journey can be enjoyed in a more relaxed, safe, and scheduled manner. We hope this service continues to be the public's choice for exploring Java's central line,”
VP of Corporate Communication at KAI