Prabowo Trials Nusantara Explorer Train on Batang-Jakarta Route
There was something unusual about President Prabowo Subianto’s recent working visit. After departing for Batang, Central Java, Prabowo chose to use a train for his return to Jakarta. He travelled aboard a tourist train named the Nusantara Explorer, accompanied by his entourage. The journey took 4.5 hours, from Batang Station to Manggarai Station in Jakarta.
This trial run served as a technical test for non-technical personnel before the train’s official public launch. Several high-ranking officials joined the trial, including State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Foreign Minister Sugiono, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
“Today is still a trial as it has not been officially launched. We appreciate that PT KAI is now capable of producing world-class, international-standard railway carriages,” said State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi during the journey.
Prabowo and his delegation departed Batang Station at 5:00 PM WIB, with the Nusantara Explorer traversing various Commuter Line tracks before arriving at Manggarai Station at 9:20 PM WIB. Externally, the carriages feature a black colour scheme with gold batik motifs, highlighting a distinct Indonesian design. Large panoramic windows provide a clear view of the interior.
The Nusantara Explorer trainset offers various carriage types and facilities, including Signature Class, Advanced Class, Compact Class, and a lounge. The Signature Class offers the most luxurious amenities, featuring king-sized beds, sofa sets, and shower rooms equipped with hot water and bathtubs. Other classes offer slightly different levels of luxury but remain comfortable for long-distance travel with beds for rest.
Prasetyo Hadi explained that the Nusantara Explorer will cater to long-distance tourism trips, transporting passengers between various destinations across Java over several days. Tickets will eventually be sold to the public as travel packages to various tourist attractions.
“In order to increase our tourism potential, the President wishes for us to develop railway-based tourism,” said Prasetyo Hadi. “Following the President’s instructions to strengthen this sector, we are creating new carriages that will be integrated with our premier tourist destinations.”
Prasetyo noted that future routes could take passengers from Jakarta through the southern coast of Java, then to Central Java to visit Borobudur or Prambanan temples, among other planned locations. The launch of the Nusantara Explorer is targeted for completion within this year.