Argo Anjasmoro Train Gains Popularity, Offering a More Relaxed Weekend Journey on Java's Northern Route

There are many ways to enjoy the weekend. Some people choose to go home to meet family, some seek out the culinary delights of a destination city, and others want to sit comfortably while watching the face of Java change from behind a train window. With the Argo Anjasmoro train, the Jakarta–Surabaya journey can feel more relaxed, well-planned, and enjoyable.

The Argo Anjasmoro train serves the Gambir–Surabaya Pasarturi round-trip route via Java’s northern line. Along its journey, the train stops at Gambir, Jatinegara, Bekasi, Cirebon, Tegal, Pekalongan, Semarang Tawang, Cepu, Bojonegoro, and Surabaya Pasarturi. This string of cities makes the trip feel like more than just intercity travel; it is also an experience of enjoying the diverse cuisine, tourism, culture, and distinctive atmosphere of Java’s northern route.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded that the Argo Anjasmoro served 68,025 passengers from January to May 2026. This figure represents a 285.28 percent increase compared to the 17,656 passengers in the same period of 2025. In volume terms, there was an additional 50,369 passengers in the first five months of 2026.

This growth should be viewed in the context of the Argo Anjasmoro’s operations, which began gaining passenger recognition in 2025. In the January–May 2025 data, passenger numbers were only recorded starting from March 2025 with 5,101 passengers, then 9,573 in April, and 2,982 in May. Meanwhile, in January–May 2026, passenger volume was more consistent: 9,726 in January, 11,868 in February, 19,603 in March, 13,017 in April, and 13,811 in May.

KAI’s Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, stated that the increase in Argo Anjasmoro passengers shows the public welcomes the additional travel option on the Jakarta–Surabaya route, especially for weekend, work, family, and tourism needs.

“The Argo Anjasmoro provides a comfortable travel choice for Jakarta–Surabaya passengers. Passengers can depart from the city centre, enjoy the journey along Java’s northern route, and arrive at their destination with many activity options, from culinary and tourism to meeting family,” said Anne.

The Argo Anjasmoro route also has strong demographic appeal. Based on 2026 data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the four provinces connected by this route have large populations: DKI Jakarta with 10.6697 million people, West Java with 51.1639 million, Central Java with 38.5650 million, and East Java with 42.3520 million. With a total of around 142.75 million residents, this line has enormous mobility potential for intercity travel, weekend tourism, family trips, business activities, and local economic movement.

From Gambir, passengers are in the heart of Jakarta, close to government areas, offices, Monas, museums, public spaces, and urban activity centres. For passengers from Jakarta and its surroundings, Gambir is a practical starting point for journeys to Central and East Java.

At Jatinegara and Bekasi, the Argo Anjasmoro expands boarding options for residents of East Jakarta and the eastern Greater Jakarta area. Passengers living in residential areas, working in the city centre, or wanting to start a journey without travelling too far can use these stops according to their travel needs.

Entering Cirebon, the journey’s atmosphere begins to feel richer with cultural and culinary colour. Passengers can plan visits to the keraton area, Sunyaragi Cave, the Trusmi batik centre, or enjoy empal gentong, nasi jamblang, tahu gejrot, and docang. Cirebon is a perfect stopover city for passengers wanting to experience cultural and culinary tourism in one trip.

Next, Tegal offers a warm coastal atmosphere. The city is known for teh poci, tahu aci, sate blengong, as well as city and beach tourism options. For Argo Anjasmoro passengers, Tegal can be a light, friendly journey point, close to the distinctive tastes of the north coast communities.

In Pekalongan, passengers can discover batik stories that are strongly attached to the city’s identity. The Batik Museum, batik villages, markets, and sego megono cuisine make Pekalongan attractive for passengers wanting to combine shopping, culinary, and culture. Batik products and local specialities also provide space for local micro and small enterprises to become better known to passengers from various cities.

Upon arriving at Semarang Tawang, passengers are welcomed by one of the most iconic cities on Java’s northern route. From this station, passengers can reach Semarang’s Old Town, Lawang Sewu, the Simpang Lima area, and enjoy lumpia, tahu gimbal, bandeng presto, wingko babat, and various other speciality foods. Semarang is an enjoyable weekend choice because historical tourism, cuisine, hotels, and city transport are easily accessible.

In Cepu and Bojonegoro, the Argo Anjasmoro journey touches cities with a local economic pulse close to the community. Passengers can continue their journey to culinary areas, markets, nature tourism, local product centres, or family events. Passenger mobility provides opportunities for food stalls, food vendors, onward transport, accommodation, and micro and small enterprise operators around stations and destinations.

The journey then ends at Surabaya Pasarturi, one of the main entry points to the city of Surabaya. From this station, passengers can reach the Tunjungan area, Surabaya’s Old Town, the Heroes Monument, culinary centres, business districts, shopping centres, and enjoy rawon, rujak cingur, lontong balap, tahu tek, and typical Surabaya souvenirs.

“Every stop on the Argo Anjasmoro has its own appeal. There are cities with strong culinary traditions, batik cities, heritage cities, coastal cities, and cities close to business and family activities. This journey allows passengers to enjoy the many faces of Java in a more comfortable way,” said Anne.