Ngawi Residents' Mobility Rises as Walikukun Station Sees 12.3% Passenger Growth in Early 2026

Ngawi (ANTARA) — Located at the border of East Java and Central Java, Walikukun Station plays a crucial role as a mobility hub for residents in western Ngawi Regency. Its strategic position along inter-regional routes makes it a vital link for economic, educational, trade, and social activities that are increasingly dynamic over time.

Passenger movements at Walikukun Station from January to April 2026 showed a positive growth trend compared to the same period last year. During this period, the number of passengers rose to 24,311, a 12.33% increase from January-April 2025’s 21,642. Meanwhile, southbound passenger numbers reached 22,671, a 9.07% increase from 20,784 in the same period last year.

The increase in both indicators reflects growing mobility intensity in the East Java-Central Java border region. Rail travel is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for those needing predictable travel times to support daily activities and intercity journeys.

Growth in passenger numbers at Walikukun Station aligns with Ngawi Regency’s positive socio-economic development. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Ngawi’s economy grew by 5.31% in 2025, up from 4.64% in 2024. In terms of business sectors, transport and warehousing recorded the highest growth at 13.14%.

Residents’ quality of life in Ngawi continues to improve. BPS recorded the district’s Human Development Index (HDI) at 74.43 in 2025, a 0.52-point increase from 73.91 in 2024. Over 2021-2025, Ngawi’s HDI grew at an average of 0.81% per year. This reflects improvements in education, healthcare, and purchasing power.

Additionally, Ngawi’s open unemployment rate in 2025 was 2.26%, while poverty levels fell to 13.62%. These figures indicate ongoing economic activity and stronger regional connectivity needs.

Vice President of Corporate Communications at KAI, Anne Purba, explained that the passenger growth shows increasing demand for public transport that supports regional productivity and connectivity.

“The growth in passenger numbers at Walikukun Station demonstrates that mobility in the border region continues to expand. Rail travel is a key choice for daily economic, educational, trade, and social activities between regions. This growth also reflects the close link between transport connectivity and regional development,” Anne said.

Walikukun Station has a long history in Java’s transport development. It began operations on 24 May 1884 under Staatsspoorwegen (SS) to support the distribution of agricultural products from inland areas to trade centres. Over time, its function has evolved to meet diverse community needs.

Currently, the station supports access to various destinations in Ngawi, including Trinil Museum, a significant paleoanthropological site in Indonesia; Jamus Tea Plantation on the slopes of Mount Lawu; and Srambang Park, a popular natural tourism spot.

According to Anne, increased mobility through Walikukun Station signals that border regions are becoming more connected to activity centres in East and Central Java. As transport access becomes easier, opportunities for economic, educational, tourism, and social interaction growth expand.

“Walikukun Station holds a strategic position as a gateway for border region mobility. KAI is committed to maintaining service quality and passenger comfort to ensure the station continues to support community activities and strengthen inter-regional connectivity. The current passenger growth reflects evolving travel needs alongside rising economic and social activity in the area,” Anne added.