Foreign Tourist Visits by Train in Semarang's Operational Area 4 Continue Positive Trend
Semarang (ANTARA) - Railway transport in the Operational Area 4 Semarang of state-owned railway company KAI has recorded significant enthusiasm from foreign nationals. Data for the period January to June 2026 shows a total of 51,372 foreign nationals used train services to travel to and from the Semarang Operational Area 4 region. This achievement represents a 9.38 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025, which recorded 46,968 foreign passengers.
Manager of Public Relations for KAI Operational Area 4 Semarang, Luqman Arif, stated that the figures indicate train services remain a primary choice for foreign nationals exploring various areas in northern and central Central Java, such as Semarang, Pekalongan, Grobogan, Tegal, Pemalang, and Blora. “Besides being comfortable and punctual, travelling by train also offers a unique tourism experience for foreign tourists who wish to enjoy the beauty of rural, urban, and even coastal landscapes along the railway line,” Luqman said.
Luqman conveyed that trains are an efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport for foreign nationals visiting Indonesia. “In addition to offering a different travel experience, KAI’s train services guarantee comfort, safety, and direct access to various leading tourist destinations in Central Java,” he stated.
Among the areas within Operational Area 4 Semarang, several stations recorded the highest numbers of foreign tourist passengers, including: 1. Semarang Tawang with 24,976 foreign passengers, 2. Semarang Poncol with 6,647 foreign passengers, 3. Tegal with 6,238 foreign passengers, 4. Pekalongan with 4,758 foreign passengers, 5. Pemalang with 3,722 foreign passengers, and 6. Weleri with 1,869 foreign passengers. These stations serve as the main boarding and alighting points for foreign travellers. Additionally, other areas such as Grobogan, Pekalongan, and Blora are also beginning to show growth potential in foreign tourist visits, particularly due to the presence of historical sites and tourism routes connected by train services.
KAI Operational Area 4 Semarang not only plays a role in providing transport services but is also part of Indonesia’s railway history. The region is home to Tanggung Station in Grobogan Regency, one of the oldest stations in Indonesia, which was the starting point of the first Tanggung–Semarang railway line opened in 1867. This line became a milestone in the early development of the national railway.
Luqman added that KAI remains committed to supporting the growth of the tourism sector through improved service quality, infrastructure maintenance, and travel safety. “We ensure that all facilities and railway lines in the Operational Area 4 region are in reliable condition so that journeys for both domestic and foreign tourists are always comfortable and safe,” he said. KAI hopes this positive trend will continue along with the increasing interest of foreign tourists in experience-based travel concepts. “Through collaboration with local governments and tourism industry players, we are confident that Operational Area 4 Semarang can become one of the main gateways for tourists to get to know the potential of Central Java via the railway,” Luqman concluded.