KAI Sends Off 16,000 Participants in the Free Eid Homecoming Program by Train

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI) sent off 480 participants in the Free Eid Homecoming Program from Pasar Senen Station to Semarang Tawang Station aboard the Tawang Jaya Premium Train (Train No. 178B).

The train departed at 06:45 WIB with Economy Class service as part of KAI's support for the 2026 Eid Transportation free homecoming program.
This departure provided direct benefits to the public by offering a homecoming journey that was safe, comfortable, affordable, and well-scheduled. Amid increasing travel demand ahead of Eid al-Fitr, rail transport continues to serve as a reliable mass transportation option capable of handling long-distance travel in an orderly and efficient manner.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba explained that the departure of the free homecoming participants forms part of KAI's contribution to ensuring smooth travel flows during this year's Eid holiday season.

"On 17 March 2026, KAI sent off 480 participants in the Free Eid Homecoming Program from Pasar Senen Station to Semarang Tawang aboard the Tawang Jaya Premium Train. This departure is part of KAI's support for the implementation of the Free Homecoming Program during the 2026 Eid Transportation period, while reaffirming the role of railways as a safe, comfortable, and efficient mode of mass transportation for the public," Anne said on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

More broadly, KAI also supports the implementation of free homecoming programs organized in collaboration with the government, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and various other institutions. Based on group booking data for the 2026 Eid Transportation period, there were 14 group bookings consisting of three government agencies, 10 state-owned enterprises, and one private company, with a total of 39,801 passengers.
Of the total, 2,811 passengers traveled in Executive Class, while 36,990 passengers used Economy Class services. Within the Economy Class category, 34,166 passengers traveled on commercial economy services, while 2,824 passengers used Public Service Obligation (PSO) economy services. These bookings were distributed across 40 train services, comprising seven Executive Class trains, 32 Economy Class trains, and one mixed-class train.

Between 13 and 16 March 2026, approximately 15,706 passengers had already enjoyed free homecoming travel by train. This figure reflects the strong public interest in mass transportation-based free homecoming services, which offer large carrying capacity, reliable schedules, and safer travel while helping to reduce road congestion.

Anne added that KAI's support for the Free Homecoming Program is also part of the company's efforts to encourage travelers to shift from private vehicles to rail transportation. This initiative helps improve travel safety, reduce traffic congestion along major homecoming routes, and promote smoother and better-managed Eid mobility.

"Railways offer one of the best mobility solutions during the homecoming season by providing safer journeys, avoiding traffic congestion, and ensuring reliable travel times. Through this Free Homecoming Program, KAI aims to expand public access to dependable public transportation while supporting the overall success of the 2026 Eid Transportation period," Anne explained.

She further noted that strong public interest has been accompanied by KAI's continued commitment to maintaining high operational service quality. During February 2026, KAI recorded an On-Time Performance (OTP) of 99.84 percent for train departures and 97.61 percent for arrivals.
This operational performance has become a key factor in strengthening public confidence in rail transportation, particularly during the homecoming season when punctuality, safety, and comfort are among passengers' highest priorities.

With its substantial carrying capacity and consistently reliable services, KAI continues to strengthen its role as the preferred mode of transportation during the 2026 Eid Transportation period.
"Through this support, KAI aims to provide greater benefits to the public, facilitate smooth mobility during the homecoming season, and contribute to ensuring that the 2026 Eid Transportation period remains orderly, safe, efficient, and well-managed," Anne concluded.

VP Corporate Communication KAI