KCIC Prepares 653,000 Whoosh Seats for Lebaran 2026 Transport, Operating up to 62 Daily Journeys
PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) is preparing various operational and service measures to manage the 2026 Lebaran transport period. The Whoosh high-speed rail service will operate for 18 days, from 13 to 30 March 2026, to accommodate increased passenger mobility during the annual exodus.
During this period, KCIC will provide a total of 653,888 passenger seats on Whoosh services. The high-speed rail will operate with up to 62 journeys per day to meet transport demand during Lebaran.
General Manager Corporate Secretary of KCIC, Eva Chairunisa, explained that the company has prepared various strategies to ensure safe and smooth Whoosh operations during the Lebaran transport period.
KCIC anticipates that Whoosh passenger numbers during Lebaran 2026 will increase by approximately 4% compared to the same period in the previous year. In line with the trend of increasing high-speed rail users year-on-year, daily passenger surge is also expected to rise. Whereas daily passenger numbers during Lebaran 2025 reached around 23,000 people, Lebaran 2026 is projected to reach approximately 25,000 passengers per day.
To ensure optimal service during the Lebaran transport period, KCIC has prepared 352 operational crew personnel. This team comprises various essential staff including drivers, train technicians, Operation Control Centre (OCC) officers, and in-train service crew. All operational personnel hold certifications from the Ministry of Transport in accordance with railway operational safety standards.
Beyond operational crew, KCIC has also mobilised 551 security personnel consisting of internal KCIC security officers, operational security staff, and support from the Indonesian military (TNI) and police (Polri). Personnel are stationed at strategic locations including stations, operational routes, and depot areas.
KCIC has also deployed 309 operations centre staff from internal company divisions who will remain on duty during the Lebaran transport period. These personnel are positioned across all Whoosh stations, the Central Operations Centre of the Ministry of Transport, and various operational areas to monitor services and assist passengers.
From an operational safety perspective, Whoosh services are supported by various integrated advanced technology systems. KCIC operates 1,773 CCTV units distributed across multiple locations, ranging from stations and operational routes to depots and inside train sets. This system enables real-time monitoring of operational conditions.
Additionally, the high-speed rail track is equipped with various sensors and early warning systems to monitor environmental conditions and detect potential operational disruptions. These systems include 17 strong wind sensors, 8 rain sensors, 6 foreign object sensors, and 7 earthquake early warning systems, installed at multiple points throughout the route.
KCIC also implements disaster risk mitigation measures throughout the high-speed rail corridor. Several areas requiring attention include 6 points with sediment accumulation risk, 8 flood-prone areas, and 22 landslide risk points. To maintain journey safety, KCIC stations personnel who work 24 hours in these areas to conduct routine monitoring and ensure rapid response to any operational disruptions.
Beyond operational and safety aspects, KCIC ensures comprehensive passenger service facilities at all Whoosh stations. Available facilities include free WiFi, porter services, multimodal connections to airports and onward transport, VIP waiting areas, children’s playgrounds, prayer rooms, facilities for passengers with disabilities, food and beverage outlets, car parks, ATMs, luggage storage lockers, and massage chairs.
Eva stressed that KCIC is committed to providing the best transport services for the public during the Lebaran travel season. “With comprehensive operational readiness, safety technology support, and available service facilities, KCIC is prepared to serve public mobility during the Lebaran transport period with Whoosh journeys that are safe, comfortable, and punctual,” she concluded.