During the First Semester of 2026, KAI's Long-Distance Trains Served 308,874 International Tourists
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded a positive trend in international tourist travel aboard its Long-Distance Train services. During the first semester of 2026, KAI served 308,874 international tourists, an increase of 2.54% compared with the same period in 2025, when 301,219 international tourists used the service.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that the growth demonstrates that rail travel is becoming an increasingly important part of the travel experience in Indonesia. For international visitors, traveling by train offers a comfortable way to journey between cities while experiencing the country's local atmosphere firsthand.
"Rail travel offers a unique travel experience. Passengers can enjoy views of rice fields, mountains, rivers, urban landscapes, and heritage areas through the train windows. The journey itself becomes part of their holiday story in Indonesia," Anne said.
Interest among international tourists in rail travel has also been reflected in the trend over recent years. In 2022, KAI's Long-Distance Trains served 300,708 international tourists. The figure increased to 580,995 tourists in 2023, followed by 669,226 in 2024, and reached 694,123 in 2025. Between 2022 and 2025, the number of international tourists traveling on KAI's Long-Distance Trains grew by 130.83%.
Anne explained that this growth is consistent with the increasingly important role of railways in supporting connectivity to Indonesia's tourism destinations. KAI's Long-Distance Train network connects major cities, cultural destinations, culinary centers, natural attractions, and regions that attract large numbers of visitors.
The following were the ten stations with the highest number of international tourist departures during the first semester of 2026:
- Gambir – 50,067 international tourists
- Yogyakarta – 49,202 international tourists
- Bandung – 28,078 international tourists
- Pasarsenen – 16,980 international tourists
- Surabaya Gubeng – 15,514 international tourists
- Semarang Tawang – 11,668 international tourists
- Malang – 9,881 international tourists
- Surabaya Pasar Turi – 7,899 international tourists
- Cirebon – 6,474 international tourists
- Probolinggo – 6,152 international tourists
Departures from these ten stations totaled 201,915 international passengers, representing 65.37% of all international tourists who traveled on KAI's Long-Distance Trains during the first semester of 2026. The data highlights the role of KAI's major stations as key gateways connecting international visitors to Indonesia's leading tourism destinations.
"KAI views international tourist travel by rail as part of promoting the beauty and diversity of Indonesia. Every railway corridor offers a different experience, from scenic landscapes and vibrant cities to warm hospitality and convenient access to tourism destinations," Anne said.
KAI continues to strengthen its Long-Distance Train services by enhancing rolling stock quality, cleanliness, safety, punctuality, and ticket booking convenience through the Access by KAI application. The company is also promoting greater service integration to make travel easier for visitors, from trip planning through arrival at their destinations.
Anne added that the presence of international tourists on Long-Distance Train services also generates positive impacts on regional tourism ecosystems. Their journeys create opportunities for hotels, culinary businesses, onward transportation providers, tour guides, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and other local businesses around stations and tourism destinations.
"Railways serve as a bridge connecting international visitors with the many stories that Indonesia has to offer. KAI will continue to provide journeys that are safe, comfortable, and memorable so that more international tourists choose rail travel as an integral part of their holidays in Indonesia," Anne concluded.
VP Corporate Communication KAI