KAI Strengthens Support for the Development of National Tourism

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues to strengthen its role in supporting the development of national tourism through rail-based transportation services that connect various cities across Java, Sumatra, and South Sulawesi. This connectivity enables the public to more easily access tourist destinations, cultural areas, culinary centers, creative economy hubs, as well as various national and regional events that drive the tourism sector.

This role has become increasingly relevant amid the growing volume of tourism activities in Indonesia. Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) shows that domestic tourist trips in May 2026 reached 106.16 million, an increase of 8.69 percent compared to May 2025. During the same period, international tourist arrivals reached 1.38 million visits, up 5.83 percent, while hotel occupancy rates for star-rated hotels reached 50.76 percent. These figures indicate that national tourism activity remains robust and continues to create opportunities to strengthen interregional connectivity.

Globally, UN Tourism also recorded continued growth in international tourism during the first quarter of 2026 despite ongoing global economic dynamics. Current travel trends are increasingly shifting toward experience-based tourism, which emphasizes unique experiences, local culture, natural beauty, and ease of mobility between destinations. This trend aligns with the characteristics of railway services, which connect key activity centers with a wide range of tourist destinations.

Vice President of Corporate Communication KAI, Anne Purba, stated that transportation is a crucial element in the tourism journey chain, as it determines ease of access to destinations.

“Railways are an integral part of people’s travel experiences. Our services connect customers to various destination cities across Java, Sumatra, and South Sulawesi, making journeys to tourist areas, cultural centers, culinary destinations, and creative economy hubs easier, more comfortable, and more efficient,” said Anne.

Throughout the first half of 2026, KAI Group served 258,993,359 passengers, an increase of 7.55 percent compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 240,805,920 passengers. These services include Public Service Obligation (PSO) services, Pioneer Trains, government assignments, and commercial services.

Based on passenger volume grouping across entities and services that also carry out PSO, Pioneer Train operations, or government assignments, a total of 235,137,908 passengers were recorded in the first half of 2026, representing approximately 90.79 percent of KAI Group’s total passengers. This figure highlights the significant role of railway transportation in supporting public mobility, which in turn contributes to national tourism activities.

For Long-Distance and Local Train services operated by KAI, a total of 29,858,267 passengers were recorded, an increase of 8.72 percent compared to the first half of 2025, which stood at 27,463,555 passengers. These services connect various tourist destination cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, Cirebon, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Solo, Surabaya, Malang, Banyuwangi, Garut, Purwokerto, Kutoarjo, as well as several cities in Sumatra served by the railway network.

Urban rail services also contributed significantly to tourist mobility. During the first half of 2026, KAI Commuter served 204,151,200 passengers, up 6.58 percent compared to the same period the previous year. In the Greater Jakarta area, Commuter Line services make it easier for tourists to reach destinations such as Kota Tua Jakarta, the National Monument, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Gelora Bung Karno, shopping centers, as well as various culinary and cultural areas integrated with public transportation networks.

The LRT Jabodebek further strengthened connectivity to business districts, sports complexes, entertainment destinations, and integrated transport networks by serving 16,018,911 passengers, an increase of 22.84 percent compared to the first half of 2025.

In Sumatra, railway services support public mobility to various cities in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Lampung, and Aceh. These services enhance access to cultural sites, natural attractions, culinary destinations, airports, and regional economic centers that form part of the tourism ecosystem.

Meanwhile, in South Sulawesi, the Makassar–Parepare railway served 172,015 passengers during the first half of 2026, an increase of 15.44 percent compared to the same period last year. This service strengthens regional connectivity while supporting the development of tourism and economic potential along its operational corridor.

As experience-based tourism continues to grow, the public is increasingly utilizing premium tourism services managed by KAI Wisata. From January to June 2026, various tourist train services recorded 6,312 trips, serving a total of 163,255 passengers.

The Panoramic Train recorded the highest demand, with 2,708 trips serving 98,415 passengers. This service allows passengers to enjoy scenic views throughout the journey through its signature wide-dimension windows.

Meanwhile, the Priority Train served 57,259 passengers across 2,200 trips, and the Imperial Train served 6,471 passengers across 468 trips. KAI Wisata also operated several thematic services, including the Luxury Train (285 passengers), KAIS 4 (279 passengers), Toraja Train (173 passengers), Sumatra Train (183 passengers), Bali Train (163 passengers), KAIS 3 (70 passengers), and Nusantara Train (38 passengers) during the first half of 2026.

According to Anne, the growing variety of services indicates that people increasingly view train travel as an integral part of the tourism experience.

“Tourism journeys begin from the moment passengers depart from the station. KAI will continue to provide safe, comfortable, punctual, and diverse services so that the journey to destinations becomes an enjoyable experience while also supporting regional economic growth,” Anne concluded.

VP Corporate Communication KAI