Welcoming KAI’s 81st Anniversary, Nusantara Explorer Continues Preparation to Support Indonesian Tourism
In welcoming the 81st Anniversary of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), KAI continues to prepare the Nusantara Explorer as a tourist train that offers a railway-based travel experience to support the development of Indonesian tourism.
The Nusantara Explorer trainset traveled from Bandung to Jakarta as part of the preparation process before introducing tourism travel services to the public. This tourist train was developed by KAI personnel through the Surabaya Gubeng Railway Workshop, featuring interior designs and facilities that highlight Indonesian characteristics.
Nusantara Explorer was developed based on an idea from the President of the Republic of Indonesia to combine Indonesia’s natural tourism potential with local hospitality, local wisdom, and Indonesian culture through railway travel.
KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin said that Nusantara Explorer was developed to offer a travel experience that combines the beauty of Indonesia’s natural scenery along railway routes with the atmosphere inside the train.
“This train combines the beauty of Indonesia’s natural scenery along the railway routes with local hospitality, local wisdom, and Indonesian culture. Therefore, we designed this train to provide a different travel experience for customers,” said Bobby.
Bobby explained that during its development, Nusantara Explorer underwent improvements based on feedback received after it had previously been used by the President of the Republic of Indonesia.
“Some of the feedback we received became part of the improvement process, particularly regarding air circulation, communication and internet connectivity, and hot water facilities. We followed up on these points to improve travel comfort,” said Bobby.
Nusantara Explorer is the result of an interior modification of the Luxury Sleeper train at the Surabaya Gubeng Railway Workshop. The train features several service areas with different characteristics, namely Signature Class, Advance Class, Compact Class, Lounge, Grand Restaurant, and Kitchen & Crew.
In one trainset, Nusantara Explorer has a capacity of up to 91 customers, consisting of 36 customers in private rooms and 55 customers in the Lounge and Grand Restaurant areas.
The Nusantara Explorer service concept offers private spaces, relaxation areas, and supporting facilities that provide customers with different travel experiences. The Lounge and Grand Restaurant are part of the travel concept that prioritizes comfort throughout the journey.
In terms of train readiness, the first phase of Nusantara Explorer development has reached 100 percent completion, covering the completion of the Signature Class, Advance Class, Compact Class, Lounge, Grand Restaurant, and Kitchen & Crew.
Nusantara Explorer has also undergone a certification process with the Directorate General of Railways through its first test conducted from September 1–4, 2026, as part of the process to ensure the train’s readiness.
KAI Commercial Director Dendy Kurniawan said that Nusantara Explorer was designed to introduce Indonesia’s richness through a railway travel experience.
“If tourists want to enjoy Indonesian tourism, they can see beautiful natural landscapes, heritage areas, and enjoy the ornaments and services that we provide inside the train with Indonesian characteristics,” said Dendy.
According to Dendy, Indonesia has many destinations and heritage areas that have the potential to become part of the travel experience offered by Nusantara Explorer.
“We have many interesting stations and heritage areas. This potential can become part of tourism journeys using railway transportation,” said Dendy.
Bobby added that KAI continues to develop travel service innovations to provide a wider range of travel options according to customers’ needs.
“Through Nusantara Explorer, KAI wants to provide a journey that brings comfort, stories, and memories to every customer,” Bobby concluded.
Welcoming KAI’s 81st Anniversary, Nusantara Explorer is part of the development of railway-based tourism services that combine travel, culture, and Indonesia’s tourism potential.
VP Corporate Communication KAI