Prabowo Jests with Journalists While Testing Nusantara Explorer Train: 'You Have to Pay'

President Prabowo Subianto conducted a trial run of the Nusantara Explorer train from Semarang Tawang Station to Batang, Central Java. After inaugurating the first phase of the Tawang Station renovation, Prabowo walked to the platform to board the Nusantara Explorer and greeted the media. He noted that this was his first experience riding the Nusantara Explorer. ‘This is the first time. This is the first time I’m going to ride it,’ Prabowo said. He even joked with journalists, asking them to pay if they wanted to join him. ‘Please, go ahead. But you have to pay. Come on,’ Prabowo quipped. In his speech, Prabowo stated that the Nusantara Explorer is intended to support Indonesian tourism. He described the tourism sector as one of the country’s important sectors and urged his staff to ensure that Indonesia’s railways can develop rapidly. Prabowo also announced that the government plans to continue the Trans-Sumatra Railway project. ‘After Trans-Sumatra, later the Trans-Kalimantan, if possible we can start them simultaneously,’ he said. Through its Instagram account, KAI stated that The Nusantara Explorer is the result of development and modification work by KAI employees, centralised at the Surabaya Gubeng Railway Workshop. The sleeper cabin concept on this train is divided into three categories: Signature Class, Advanced Class, and Compact Class. KAI explained that The Nusantara Explorer was developed as a Luxury Sleeper Train that combines private rest areas, dining, entertainment, and the experience of enjoying the journey’s landscape. The Nusantara Explorer is also designed with a Grand Restaurant and Lounge, featuring a relaxed seating concept, a bar, entertainment facilities, a piano, an audio system, and windows to enjoy the scenery during the journey. KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin said the train’s presence aims to provide an improved travel experience for customers. ‘The Nusantara Explorer demonstrates KAI personnel’s ability to develop facilities through competencies continuously built at the Surabaya Gubeng Railway Workshop,’ Bobby stated.