Taking the Train Makes These Cities More Appealing to Visit
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The weekend is often a simple reason to travel to another city: to enjoy different weather, seek out local food, explore historic sites, experience nature or simply spend time with family. Data from state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), or KAI, show that in 2026 people’s travel choices have also spread to a wider range of cities.
Between January and September 2026, a number of stations recorded increased passenger activity compared with the same period a year earlier. Passenger activity is the combined number of passengers boarding and alighting at each station. Among the stations with notable growth were:
Bogor Paledang Station: from 395,471 to 825,011 passenger movements, an increase of 108.61 per cent
Purwakarta Station: from 201,953 to 321,384, up 59.14 per cent
Air Tawar Station: from 258,929 to 330,554, up 27.66 per cent
Purwosari Station: from 404,603 to 494,319, up 22.17 per cent
Karawang Station: from 251,303 to 306,533, up 21.98 per cent
Weleri Station: from 310,031 to 369,880, up 19.30 per cent
Cilacap Station: from 305,180 to 358,605, up 17.51 per cent
Garut Station: from 282,518 to 330,612, up 17.02 per cent
Cepu Station: from 442,512 to 516,521, up 16.72 per cent
Semarang Tawang Station: from 2,853,733 to 3,329,748 passenger movements, up 16.68 per cent
KAI Vice-President of Corporate Communications Anne Purba said the growth indicated that people’s travel was expanding across cities with diverse characteristics. Each area offers its own reasons to visit, from family trips and educational activities to food and tourism.
“Sometimes a travel idea starts with a simple question: where shall we go this weekend? Our data show that more cities are becoming part of people’s journeys. Trains offer the option of departing from city centres, enjoying the journey and then continuing the experience at the destination,” Anne said.
West Java offers a range of travel options. In Bogor, visitors can enjoy the Bogor Botanical Gardens, the area around Bogor Palace and the city’s varied food scene. Purwakarta is home to Jatiluhur, Situ Wanayasa, Mount Parang and Mount Lembu, while Garut offers a different character, with Mount Papandayan, Santolo Beach, Sayang Heulang Beach, water attractions and local specialities.
Journeys towards Central Java also offer their own stories. Cilacap is known for Teluk Penyu Beach and Pendem Fort, while Cepu can serve as a gateway to teak-forest landscapes, railway history through the Loco Tour and Blora’s rich food culture. In Semarang, arriving at Semarang Tawang Station puts passengers close to the Old Town; they can then continue to Lawang Sewu, Chinatown, Sam Poo Kong Temple or the city’s many food destinations.
West Sumatra offers a different character. The rise in passenger activity at Air Tawar Station is set against the backdrop of Padang, known for Padang Beach, its Old Town, Air Manis Beach and Minangkabau cuisine. Purwosari, Karawang and Weleri each have their own travel profiles as part of intercity mobility to surrounding areas.
Anne said the growth figures reflect a range of travel needs and should not all be interpreted as tourism. However, for people looking for weekend inspiration, the rail network offers many cities to explore, depending on the time available and their interests.
“One station can be the starting point for many stories. Some people come to sample local food, watch the sunrise, walk through a historic district, enjoy nature or simply meet people close to them. What we are seeing is that people have a wider choice of cities to travel to. The railway is here to take them on the first part of that journey,” Anne said.