Return Flow of Long Weekend Expected to Peak Today, 189,734 Passengers Returning via Train
The return journey following the holidays always brings a distinct atmosphere. From train windows, passengers enjoy the final moments of their travels, carrying stories, memories, and renewed energy before returning to their daily routines. As the Ascension Day long weekend draws to a close, the return flow is becoming palpable across various stations, with an increasing number of passengers heading back to major cities to resume work, education, and business activities.
Since Wednesday, 13 May 2026, public mobility during the long weekend has shown a continuous increase. After utilising the holiday for tourism and family gatherings, passenger movement is now dominated by those returning to central hubs of activity. Amidst this high mobility, trains have become a preferred choice for a comfortable and efficient return journey.
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) noted that during the first four days of the long weekend, 733,009 passengers utilised KAI’s long-distance and local train services across Java and Sumatra. Furthermore, as of 10:00 WIB on Sunday, 17 May 2026, ticket sales for the 13–17 May 2026 period reached 923,743, a figure that continues to rise due to high demand during the return period.
Anne Purba, Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, stated that the return flow is a critical phase in maintaining smooth public mobility following a long holiday. “The return flow always presents very high public mobility within a relatively short period. Travel towards Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Semarang, and other major activity centres has begun to dominate since the weekend. KAI continues to strive to maintain services so that the public can return safely, comfortably, and on time,” said Anne.
According to Anne, the high mobility during the return flow also impacts the economic circulation in various regions along the train routes. “The return flow helps keep economic activities moving. Areas around stations, feeder transport, culinary centres, and local businesses still experience high levels of public activity until the end of the long holiday period,” she added.
Preliminary ticket sales occupancy during the long weekend period:
• Wednesday, 13 May 2026: 196,370 tickets
• Thursday, 14 May 2026: 197,368 tickets
• Friday, 15 May 2026: 160,687 tickets
• Saturday, 16 May 2026: 179,584 tickets
• Sunday, 17 May 2026: 189,734 tickets
The top 10 destination stations with the highest passenger volume during the long weekend period are:
Yogyakarta: 56,536 passengers
Pasarsenen: 56,467 passengers
Gambir: 53,295 passengers
Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng: 37,620 passengers
Bandung: 33,592 passengers
Surabaya Gubeng: 30,985 passengers
Purwokerto: 30,829 passengers
Solo Balapan: 29,305 passengers
Madiun: 28,035 passengers
Surabaya Pasarturi: 27,292 passengers
The increase in travel towards major cities at the end of the long weekend demonstrates how railways play a vital role in maintaining the rhythm of public mobility. This return flow is dominated by passengers returning to centres of employment, education, and business. This movement also stimulates economic activity, with increased station pick-ups, more dynamic feeder transport, bustling culinary centres, and MSMEs around station areas benefiting from the high volume of arriving and departing passengers.
KAI continues to implement various service measures to ensure smooth travel during the return flow, ranging from operational readiness and station service management to the optimisation of digital travel information via the Access by KAI application. Passengers are advised to arrive at stations early and re-confirm their travel schedules to ensure a smooth departure.