Economy-Class Trains Dominant in Mudik as 378,000 Jakarta Departures Tickets Sold

KOMPAS — The public’s enthusiasm for using rail transport ahead of Lebaran 2026 shows a significant upward trend. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Daerah Operasi 1 Jakarta notes that economy-class trains remain the main choice for prospective homecomers due to affordability and time efficiency. As of early March 2026, 600,383 long-distance train tickets have been sold for departures from 11 March to 1 April 2026 from Gambir Station and Pasar Senen Station. Of the total, economy class dominates with sales reaching 378,324 tickets, while executive class sales stand at 211,566 tickets. Franoto Wibowo, Corporate Secretary Manager of KAI Daop 1 Jakarta, explained that the high interest in economy class proves that rail-based transport remains the backbone of people’s mobility. “Economy trains offer affordable fares with safety and comfort standards maintained. This not only facilitates mobility but also stimulates inter-regional economic activity,” Franoto said in a press release received by Kompas.com, Thursday (5 March 2026). Some favourite train services departing from Pasar Senen Station include KA Bengawan (Jakarta–Solo) with fare Rp74,000, KA Airlangga (Jakarta–Surabaya) Rp104,000, KA Serayu (Jakarta–Purwokerto) Rp67,000, and KA Cikuray (Jakarta–Garut) priced at Rp45,000. Franoto noted that the government subsidy scheme is the key for people to access decent transport at affordable prices. “The PSO programme is a form of government support for the public so long-distance journeys remain safe without imposing excessive costs,” he added. Despite high bookings, KAI notes there are still around 7,000 seats available for PSO economy trains, particularly for departures from 23 March to 1 April 2026. Through the discount, several routes have experienced price adjustments that are fairly competitive. For example, as of 24 March 2026, the ticket price for KA Bogowonto (Jakarta–Yogyakarta) is Rp245,000, KA Kertajaya (Jakarta–Semarang) Rp196,000, and KA Jayakarta (Jakarta–Surabaya) Rp273,000. Overall, for mid-to-late March, around 85,726 seats remain available for the commercial economy category. Pasar Senen Station remains the main departure hub for economy-class homecomers. Trains such as Bengawan, Airlangga, Serayu, Kertajaya, Jayakarta, and Progo are recorded as the services with the highest booking levels. KAI remains committed to maintaining the role of rail in national connectivity, especially at peak mobility times such as ahead of Idul Fitri. In addition to transport, the movement of hundreds of thousands of passengers is expected to generate a multiplier effect for economic growth in the destinations.