Appearance of the Kereta Ekonomi Kerakyatan, Lebaran Mudik Transport Claimed to Match Executive Standard
JAKARTA — The Kereta Api (Railway) Ekonomi Kerakyatan launched on 1 March 2026 is being operated for Lebaran homecoming transport during 2026.
The train operates on the Jakarta-Yogyakarta route, departing from Pasar Senen Station bound for Lempuyangan Station.
On Tuesday (17 March 2026), the Kereta Ekonomi Kerakyatan, carrying 382 passengers, departed from Pasar Senen Station under the supervision of Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya alongside PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Director General Bobby Rasyidin.
Kompas.com had the opportunity to inspect the new train’s carriages before departure.
Upon entering a carriage, the teal-green colour of the train seats immediately caught attention. Unlike typical economy-class trains, teal-green seating is conventionally used for executive-class railways.
The Kereta Ekonomi Kerakyatan seats are arranged in a two-and-three configuration, with rows on the right and left respectively. With this configuration, a single carriage can accommodate 93 passengers.
Meanwhile, the seat backs are no longer positioned at a strict 90-degree angle, providing passengers with greater comfort.
At the upper corner of each seat is a curved metal rail that can be used for holding whilst standing or walking through the train’s aisles.
The train floor is grey, whilst the walls are ivory white.
The train is also equipped with minimalist-design luggage storage lined with metal. Beneath it is a brown wooden wall panel affixed to the train’s windows.
At each row of seats, there are electrical outlets and small tables that can be used to place food, drinks, or other items. There are also metal hooks that can be used to hang bags.
The Kereta Ekonomi Kerakyatan is also equipped with toilets and central air conditioning for each carriage.
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Director General Bobby Rasyidin stated that the comfort level of the Kereta Ekonomi Kerakyatan can rival executive-class trains.
He even assessed that the train’s comfort standard is nearly equivalent to executive-class services.