Customer Volume on Sumatra's Five Longest-Distance Train Services Increases Across the Board in the First Half of 2026

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded year-on-year growth in passenger volume across the five longest passenger train services in Sumatra during the first semester of 2026 compared with the same period last year.

The five longest passenger train services in Sumatra and their passenger volumes are as follows:

1. Rajabasa Train (Tanjungkarang–Kertapati round trip)
   Approximately 388 kilometers. During the first semester of 2026, the service carried 469,028 passengers, up 35.65 percent from 345,770 passengers in the first semester of 2025.
2. Sindang Marga Train (Kertapati–Lubuklinggau round trip)
   Approximately 305 kilometers. During the first semester of 2026, the service carried 159,658 passengers, an increase of 8.03 percent from 147,797 passengers in the same period of 2025.
3. Bukit Serelo Train (Kertapati–Lubuklinggau round trip)
   Approximately 305 kilometers. During the first semester of 2026, the service carried 278,705 passengers, up 1.11 percent from 275,636 passengers in the first semester of 2025.
4. Sribilah Utama Train (Medan–Rantau Prapat round trip)
   Approximately 266 kilometers. During the first semester of 2026, the service served 419,637 passengers, representing an 8.30 percent increase from 387,459 passengers in the same period last year.

5. Kuala Stabas Train (Tanjungkarang–Baturaja round trip)
   Approximately 215 kilometers. During the first semester of 2026, the service carried 377,928 passengers, up 4.93 percent from 360,185 passengers in the first semester of 2025.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said the increase across all five services reflects the growing demand for mass transportation in Sumatra, connecting cities, regencies, commercial centers, educational institutions, public services, and tourist destinations.

"Each route serves different travel needs. People rely on trains for work, education, business, medical treatment, family visits, and leisure travel. The continued growth in passenger volume demonstrates that rail transportation remains an essential part of daily life across Sumatra," Anne said.

The longest passenger service in Sumatra is the Rajabasa Train, connecting Tanjungkarang and Kertapati over a distance of approximately 388 kilometers. Throughout the first semester of 2026, the train served 469,028 passengers, an increase of 35.65 percent compared with 345,770 passengers during the same period in 2025.

The route links Bandar Lampung and Palembang, two provincial capitals that serve as major centers for government, commerce, education, culinary tourism, and tourism activities in southern Sumatra.

From Kertapati Station, passengers can continue their journey to the Musi River waterfront, the iconic Ampera Bridge, Kuto Besak Fortress, renowned culinary destinations, and South Sumatra's traditional handicraft centers. From Tanjungkarang Station, passengers can easily reach downtown Bandar Lampung and continue to various natural and marine tourism destinations throughout Lampung Province.

"The strong growth in Rajabasa Train passengers reflects the high demand for travel between Lampung and South Sumatra. This service enhances access to economic centers, educational institutions, public services, and tourist attractions in both provinces," Anne added.

The next longest services are the Sindang Marga Train and Bukit Serelo Train, both operating on the Kertapati–Lubuklinggau round-trip route covering approximately 305 kilometers.

Although they operate on the same route, the two services cater to different market segments. The Sindang Marga Train offers Business and Executive Class services, while the Bukit Serelo Train provides an affordable Economy Class option.

During the first semester of 2026, the Sindang Marga Train served 159,658 passengers, an increase of 8.03 percent from 147,797 passengers in the same period last year.

The route connects Palembang with several key areas in western South Sumatra, including Prabumulih, Muara Enim, Lahat, Tebing Tinggi, and Lubuklinggau, supporting travel for work, business, family visits, education, and access to public services.

Passengers can also continue their trips to various tourist attractions, including the Musi River area in Palembang, the ancient megalithic heritage sites in Lahat Regency, Temam Waterfall, and Bukit Sulap in Lubuklinggau.

On the same route, the Bukit Serelo Train carried 278,705 passengers during the first semester of 2026, up 1.11 percent from 275,636 passengers in the corresponding period of 2025.

The train takes its name from Bukit Serelo, a distinctive landmark in Lahat Regency, also known as Thumb Hill due to its thumb-shaped silhouette. The name reflects the region's unique natural heritage and local identity.

The Bukit Serelo Train is widely used by workers, students, traders, families, and communities traveling to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, commercial centers, government offices, and other public services.

"The Sindang Marga and Bukit Serelo services demonstrate how a single corridor can accommodate diverse passenger needs by providing multiple service classes and travel schedules," Anne explained.

In North Sumatra, the Sribilah Utama Train operates the Medan–Rantau Prapat round-trip route over approximately 266 kilometers. During the first semester of 2026, the service recorded 419,637 passengers, an increase of 8.30 percent compared with 387,459 passengers in the same period of 2025.

The train connects Medan with several important activity centers in eastern North Sumatra, including Tebing Tinggi, Kisaran, Membang Muda, and Rantau Prapat.

Medan serves as a hub for government, education, commerce, services, culinary tourism, and urban tourism, while the areas toward Rantau Prapat are known for plantation industries, trade, public services, and community-based economic activities.

Passengers arriving in Medan can continue to historic Kesawan, Maimun Palace, popular culinary districts, and various heritage buildings that reflect the city's rich history. The service also provides convenient access to economic and public service centers in Labuhanbatu Regency and surrounding areas.

The fifth longest service is the Kuala Stabas Train, connecting Tanjungkarang and Baturaja over approximately 215 kilometers. Throughout the first semester of 2026, the service carried 377,928 passengers, an increase of 4.93 percent from 360,185 passengers in the same period last year.

The Kuala Stabas Train supports mobility across several regions in Lampung Province and Ogan Komering Ulu Regency. Passengers use the service for work, education, trade, healthcare, and family visits.

From Baturaja, travelers can continue to natural and historical attractions such as Putri Cave and the Harimau Cave Archaeological Site, while Tanjungkarang serves as a gateway to Bandar Lampung and numerous tourist destinations across Lampung Province.

Anne explained that KAI's passenger rail services in Sumatra operate across North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, and Lampung, with each region offering services tailored to local transportation needs and railway infrastructure.

In West Sumatra, KAI also operates the Pariaman Ekspres, Minangkabau Ekspres, and Lembah Anai trains. These services support daily commuting, airport connectivity to Minangkabau International Airport, and access to coastal tourism destinations.

"Sumatra has a strong railway heritage that has been an integral part of people's lives for decades. Rail transportation connects cities and regencies while bringing communities closer to economic centers, educational institutions, public services, and tourist destinations," Anne said.

Rail services also generate economic benefits for communities surrounding stations and destination cities. Passenger travel stimulates demand for local transportation, restaurants, accommodations, souvenir shops, traditional markets, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Upon arriving at their destinations, passengers continue contributing to local economies through the use of public transportation, visits to tourist attractions, purchases of local food and products, shopping activities, and various community-based services. These interconnected activities help expand regional economic circulation.

KAI remains committed to continuously improving safety, operational reliability, service quality, cleanliness of trains and stations, and the convenience of ticket purchasing. Continuous evaluations are conducted to ensure services continue to meet the evolving needs of communities throughout Sumatra.

"Traveling by train allows passengers to experience the vast landscapes of Sumatra, discover the unique character of its cities, and explore the region's rich economic, cultural, and tourism potential. KAI is committed to making every journey safer, more comfortable, more enjoyable, and more meaningful for the communities we serve," Anne concluded.

VP Corporate Communication KAI