Malang–Purwokerto Route Increasingly Popular, Kertanegara Train Serves 168,085 Passengers

Executive and premium economy classes are becoming a comfortable choice for reaching educational cities, historical tourism, culinary destinations, SMEs, and economic centres along the central Java corridor. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded that the Kertanegara Train serving the Malang–Purwokerto route is increasingly popular with passengers. Throughout January to May 2026, the Kertanegara Train served 168,085 passengers, a 5.29 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025, which saw 159,637 passengers. KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that this growth demonstrates the Kertanegara Train’s important role in connecting communities in East Java, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, and Central Java via the central Java line. “The Kertanegara Train gives passengers a comfortable travel option to reach Malang, Blitar, Kediri, Madiun, Solo, Yogyakarta, Kebumen, and Purwokerto. This route is relevant for families, students, university students, workers, business people, and tourists who need scheduled and inter-regional transport,” Anne said. The increase in Kertanegara Train passengers was particularly strong in certain months. In March 2026, the train served 41,282 passengers, a 65.94 percent increase compared to March 2025’s 24,877 passengers. In May 2026, passenger numbers also rose to 35,807 from 31,811 in May 2025. The Kertanegara Train began operating on 10 March 2021. The name Kertanegara is inspired by King Kertanagara, the last ruler of the Singasari Kingdom who reigned around 1268–1292. The choice of name provides a historical connection to the Malang Raya area while creating a strong travel identity for the Malang–Purwokerto line. The service offers executive and premium economy classes, allowing passengers to choose a travel experience suited to their needs, from family trips and work agendas to educational visits and weekend getaways. The Kertanegara Train’s journey also provides many boarding and alighting points. From the Malang Raya side, passengers can access Malang Station, Malang Kotalama, and Kepanjen, which are close to educational areas, culinary spots, public services, and family tourist destinations. The journey then continues to Wlingi, Blitar, Tulungagung, Kediri, Kertosono, Nganjuk, Caruban, and Madiun, areas with community activities, trade, education, and potential for historical and local culinary tourism. Entering Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, the Kertanegara Train stops at Sragen, Solo Balapan, Klaten, and Yogyakarta. This series of stations opens access to cultural areas, batik centres, culinary hubs, university campuses, creative spaces, and family tourist destinations that attract passengers from various regions. The journey then proceeds to Kutoarjo, Kebumen, Kroya, and Purwokerto. These stops expand passenger access to the Purworejo, Kebumen, Cilacap, and Banyumas areas, as well as surrounding natural and culinary tourism spots. With this travel pattern, the Kertanegara Train serves as an intercity connector that helps people reach multiple destinations in a single journey. Anne said the presence of the Kertanegara Train also benefits local economies. Passengers alighting at various stops have the potential to drive onward transport activities, culinary businesses, accommodation, SMEs, tourist destinations, and community services around the stations. “Each stop has its own story and benefits for the area. There are passengers heading to campus, meeting family, working, travelling, or running a business. KAI wants the journey on the Kertanegara Train to feel enjoyable from departure, comfortable during the trip, and to bring value to the cities it passes through,” Anne said. KAI encourages passengers to plan their journeys early, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Schedule, fare, and seat availability information for the Kertanegara Train can be checked regularly through the Access by KAI application, KAI’s official website, and other official sales channels. “With the Kertanegara Train, the Malang–Purwokerto journey can be enjoyed more leisurely, safely, and on schedule. We hope this service continues to be the public’s choice for exploring the central Java corridor,” Anne concluded.