Starting 4 July 2026, KA Rajabasa to Use Modified Premium Economy Carriages

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) is enhancing service on the KA Rajabasa, which operates the Kertapati–Tanjungkarang round trip, in response to high customer enthusiasm and feedback on the Lampung–South Sumatra corridor. Starting Saturday, 4 July 2026, KA Rajabasa will use Modified Premium Economy carriages, replacing the 106-seat upright economy carriages. This rolling stock upgrade is part of a gradual service improvement process. KAI understands that passengers require increasingly comfortable journeys, especially on the KA Rajabasa, which covers a relatively long inter-provincial route and is an important choice for communities in the two provinces. KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that every piece of customer feedback informs KAI’s service improvement measures. “KAI listens to feedback from KA Rajabasa passengers. We understand the public’s expectations for a journey that is more comfortable, affordable, and remains reliable. Service improvement requires a process, from rolling stock readiness, operational patterns, and safety, to on-the-ground service. Therefore, enhancements are carried out gradually so that passengers can properly feel the benefits,” Anne said. Previously, KAI had increased the KA Rajabasa train formation from 5 to 8 carriages per set. While still using upright economy carriages, this addition raised capacity from 530 to 848 seats per journey, an increase of approximately 60 percent. This step was taken to accommodate growing passenger demand. Entering the next phase, KAI is introducing Modified Premium Economy carriages to improve the passenger travel experience. With a configuration of 8 modified premium economy carriages, KA Rajabasa provides 640 seats per journey. Passengers can enjoy individual seats with armrests, reclining seats, central air conditioning, power outlets, and a seating configuration more comfortable for long-distance travel. KA Rajabasa is a Public Service Obligation (PSO) train supported by the Government through the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation. Through this support, the public can undertake long-distance travel between Palembang and Bandar Lampung at an affordable fare. For the longest distance, Kertapati–Tanjungkarang or vice versa, the KA Rajabasa fare is Rp32,000. Throughout 2025, KA Rajabasa served 686,788 passengers. In January–May 2026, the service carried 388,190 passengers, an increase of 38.29 percent compared to the same period in 2025, which saw 280,719 passengers. This represents an additional 107,471 passengers in the first five months of 2026. According to Anne, this growth demonstrates that KA Rajabasa plays a strong role in the lives of the people of Lampung and South Sumatra. Many passengers rely on this train for work, school, university, medical treatment, trade, visiting family, and weekend tourism. “For passengers, a journey at a fare of Rp32,000 for the longest distance is very meaningful. Affordable transport costs help the community manage other needs, such as children’s education, healthcare costs, family necessities, or small business capital. Therefore, the comfort improvements on KA Rajabasa are directed so that this PSO service becomes ever closer to the daily needs of the community,” Anne said. The rolling stock upgrade, effective from the weekend of Saturday, 4 July 2026, also provides a more comfortable travel option for passengers wishing to travel with family. Journeys from Lampung to South Sumatra, and vice versa, can support the community’s needs for maintaining family ties, accessing education, obtaining health services, tourism, or conducting economic activities. KA Rajabasa serves journeys of up to 389 kilometres and is one of the longest regular passenger train sets operating on the island of Sumatra. This train connects two main hubs, namely Kertapati Station in Palembang and Tanjungkarang Station in Bandar Lampung. On its journey, KA Rajabasa serves a number of stopping stations: Kertapati, Lembak, Prabumulih, Peninjawan, Tigagajah, Baturaja, Martapura, Way Tuba, Blambangan Umpu, Tulang Buyut, Negara Ratu, Ketapang, Kotabumi, Sulusuban, Bekri, Tegineneng, Rejosari, Labuan Ratu, and Tanjungkarang. The name Rajabasa is taken from Mount Rajabasa in Lampung Province. Since its operation, KA Rajabasa has been known as an important connector for the communities of Lampung and South Sumatra. Its presence helps shorten the social distance between regions, facilitates public mobility, and keeps public transport access open for a wider cross-section of society. “KAI wants passengers to understand that every piece of feedback is an important part of the improvement process. We are structuring the service gradually so that KA Rajabasa becomes increasingly comfortable, remains affordable, and can be relied upon by the community. Our hope is that passengers feel that train travel is increasingly suited to their needs,” Anne concluded.