Rajabasa Train to Operate with Modified Premium Economy Coaches Starting July 4, 2026

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI) is enhancing services on the Rajabasa Train operating on the Kertapati–Tanjungkarang round-trip route in response to strong customer demand and feedback from passengers traveling between Lampung and South Sumatra. Beginning Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Rajabasa Train will operate with Modified Premium Economy Coaches, replacing the previous Economy Class coaches configured with 106 upright seats.

This upgrade is part of KAI’s ongoing and gradual service improvement program. The company recognizes that customers increasingly expect greater travel comfort, particularly on the Rajabasa Train, which serves a relatively long interprovincial route and remains an important transportation option for communities in both provinces.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that customer feedback plays a key role in shaping the company’s service enhancement initiatives.

“KAI listens to feedback from Rajabasa Train customers. We understand the public’s expectations for travel that is more comfortable, affordable, and reliable. Service improvements require a comprehensive process involving rolling stock readiness, operational planning, safety considerations, and frontline service delivery. Therefore, enhancements are implemented gradually to ensure customers can fully benefit from the improvements,” said Anne.

Previously, KAI increased the Rajabasa Train’s formation from five to eight coaches per trainset. While still using the upright-seat Economy Class coaches, this expansion increased seating capacity from 530 to 848 seats per trip, representing an increase of approximately 60 percent. The measure was taken to accommodate growing passenger demand.

As the next phase of service enhancement, KAI is introducing Modified Premium Economy Coaches to further improve the customer travel experience. With a composition of eight modified premium economy coaches, the Rajabasa Train will provide 640 seats per trip. Passengers will enjoy individual seats with armrests, reclining seats, central air conditioning, power outlets, and a more comfortable seating configuration designed for long-distance travel.

The Rajabasa Train is a Public Service Obligation (PSO) service supported by the Government through the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) under the Ministry of Transportation. Through this support, passengers can travel long distances between Palembang and Bandar Lampung at affordable fares. For the full Kertapati–Tanjungkarang route and vice versa, the Rajabasa Train fare remains Rp32,000.

Throughout 2025, the Rajabasa Train served 686,788 passengers. During January–May 2026, the service carried 388,190 passengers, an increase of 38.29 percent compared with 280,719 passengers during the same period in 2025. This represents an additional 107,471 passengers during the first five months of 2026.

According to Anne, this growth demonstrates the Rajabasa Train’s significant role in the daily lives of communities in Lampung and South Sumatra. Many passengers rely on the service for work, school, university studies, medical treatment, business activities, family visits, and weekend leisure travel.

“For passengers, a fare of Rp32,000 for the longest-distance journey is highly meaningful. Affordable transportation costs help people allocate resources to other essential needs, such as children’s education, healthcare expenses, family necessities, or small business capital. Therefore, improvements in Rajabasa Train comfort are intended to make this PSO service even more relevant to the everyday needs of the community,” she added.

The rolling stock upgrade, effective from Saturday, July 4, 2026, will also provide a more comfortable travel option for families. Travel between Lampung and South Sumatra can support a wide range of community needs, including family visits, access to education, healthcare services, tourism, and economic activities.

Covering a distance of up to 389 kilometers, the Rajabasa Train is one of the longest regularly operated passenger train services on Sumatra Island. The service connects two major transportation hubs: Kertapati Station in Palembang and Tanjungkarang Station in Bandar Lampung.

Along its route, the Rajabasa Train serves the following stations: Kertapati, Lembak, Prabumulih, Peninjawan, Tigagajah, Baturaja, Martapura, Way Tuba, Blambangan Umpu, Tulang Buyut, Negara Ratu, Ketapang, Kotabumi, Sulusuban, Bekri, Tegineneng, Rejosari, Labuan Ratu, and Tanjungkarang.

The name “Rajabasa” is derived from Mount Rajabasa in Lampung Province. Since its inception, the Rajabasa Train has served as a vital transportation link between Lampung and South Sumatra. Its presence helps strengthen regional connectivity, facilitate public mobility, and ensure broader access to public transportation services.

 “KAI wants customers to understand that every piece of feedback forms an important part of our improvement process. We continue to enhance our services gradually so that the Rajabasa Train becomes more comfortable, remains affordable, and continues to be a reliable transportation option for the community. Our hope is that customers feel rail travel increasingly meets their needs and expectations,” Anne concluded.

Vice President Corporate Communicatio

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero)