Ascension of Jesus Christ Long Weekend: KAI Sells 584,695 Train Tickets
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) estimates a surge in passenger numbers reaching 161,000 during the long weekend for the Ascension of Jesus Christ this week.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that the atmosphere of the Ascension of Jesus Christ long weekend is already evident in various train journeys.
“Up to Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at 11:00 WIB, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded 584,695 tickets sold for the departure period of 13–17 May 2026,” said Anne in an official statement on Wednesday (13/5/2026).
She added that the number of departures on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, will continue to increase until evening and will peak as the outbound flow during this long weekend.
Based on preliminary ticket sales data for the long weekend period, 161,028 tickets have been recorded. Entering Thursday, 14 May 2026, which coincides with the national holiday for the Ascension of Jesus Christ, ticket sales remain high with a total of 131,206 tickets.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, 17 May 2026, the return flow begins to appear with 120,957 tickets sold.
“Journeys during this long weekend are dominated by cities synonymous with tourism, cuisine, and a comfortable holiday atmosphere accessible by train,” explained Anne.
“Trains remain the public’s choice for enjoying long holidays because the journey feels more relaxed and practical. Customers can arrive directly in the city centre and continue their holiday travels more easily,” said Anne.
Some journeys even become part of the holiday experience itself, passing through coastlines, mountains, and bustling heritage cities popular during the holiday season.
The KA Airlangga service on the Pasarsenen–Surabaya Pasar Turi route recorded the highest number of passengers at 19,303. The high public interest in this route is influenced by affordable fares and connectivity to several major cities in East Java.
The next position is held by KA Serayu on the Pasarsenen–Purwokerto route with a total of 17,313 passengers. Meanwhile, KA Pandanwangi on the Jember–Ketapang return route recorded 16,255 passengers, followed by KA Putri Deli on the Medan–Tanjung Balai return route with 16,252 passengers.
Next, KA Sri Tanjung on the Lempuyangan–Ketapang return route recorded 13,585 passengers, followed by KA Joglosemarkerto serving the Yogyakarta–Solo–Semarang–Purwokerto–Cilacap route with a loop line pattern with 12,510 passengers.
Meanwhile, KA Rajabasa on the Tanjung Karang–Kertapati return route served 12,484 passengers, while KA Parahyangan on the Gambir–Bandung return route recorded 11,857 passengers.
“Routes to Yogyakarta, Bandung, Purwokerto, Sukabumi, and Banyuwangi remain favourite choices for customers during the long weekend because they offer different holiday atmospheres in each city,” said Anne.