Indonesia’s state railway operator, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), is preparing to introduce a new generation of luxury tourist trains on Java, combining sleeper cabins, fine dining services, and lounge facilities in a single integrated journey.
The 12-car train set is currently under development at Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng, with the first phase reaching 38 percent completion. Trial operations are targeted for June 2026 before a full commercial launch.
KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin said the project reflects the company’s push to elevate rail-based tourism through an “experience, luxury, and heritage” concept.
“We are redesigning heritage trains with modern touches while preserving their historical value and continuously improving service standards. This initiative is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s rail-based tourism ecosystem,” Bobby said, as reported by Liputan6.
Sleeper Cabins, Fine Dining, and Lounge in One Train
The new formation will feature private sleeper cabins, a fine dining restaurant car, an entertainment lounge, and supporting operational coaches. Rather than building entirely new units, KAI is revitalizing rolling stock from the 1980s and 1990s, upgrading them to modern comfort standards while retaining their historical character.
According to Bobby, the concept integrates premium travel comfort with Java’s cultural and natural landscapes.
“Train routes cross regions rich in visual and historical panoramas. Through this experience, luxury, and heritage concept, KAI presents a journey that blends premium comfort with historical value in one complete service,” he explained.
Future operations are expected to focus on thematic routes highlighting scenic corridors and key tourist destinations across Java.
Rising Tourism Supports Rail Expansion
The launch comes amid steady growth in both domestic and international tourism on Java. Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) shows domestic trips on the island rose from 706.4 million in 2024 to 777.7 million in 2025, an increase of around 10% in one year.
International arrivals through Java’s airports also climbed from 2.96 million in 2024 to 3.19 million in 2025, reflecting an 8% rise.
At the same time, foreign passenger numbers on long-distance trains have more than doubled over the past three years. Ridership increased from 300,708 passengers in 2022 to 694,123 in 2025 — a cumulative growth of approximately 131%.
“This growth reflects increasing global confidence in Indonesia’s rail-based transportation services,” Bobby said.
KAI has already tested its upgraded heritage concept. In December 2025, the company unveiled a revamped historic carriage originally known as Djoko Kendil, now reintroduced as a Heritage Class coach. The carriage, first built in 1938 in the Netherlands, has been modernized for chartered tourism services while retaining its classic character.
Although commercial schedules for the heritage coach have not yet been confirmed, the broader luxury train project signals KAI’s ambition to position rail travel as a key pillar of Indonesia’s tourism industry.
With trial runs planned for mid-2026, the new sleeper and fine dining train sets could soon redefine long-distance travel across Java, offering an alternative to flights while highlighting the island’s scenery and cultural heritage.
Source: Liputan6, Antara, PRFM News
Special Photo Credit: KAI
