Tourism to Banyuwangi During the Long Holiday Gaining in Popularity as Train Passengers Surge

Banyuwangi, Kompas.com - The surge in mobility during the long Ascension Day holiday also boosted train occupancy in the PT KAI Daop 9 Jember region. Based on data from PT KAI Daop 9 Jember, over the period 13–17 May 2026 the number of customers reached 112,710 passengers using train services from and to the ‘tapal kuda’ region of East Java.

In detail, 56,231 passengers departed from various stations within Daop 9 Jember, while 56,479 passengers were recorded as arrivals or alightings.

Cahyo explained that the high occupancy during the long holiday shows that trains remain the preferred mode of intercity travel, with the peak outbound flow occurring on Sunday (17 May 2026), with outbound passengers reaching 12,698.

The subsidised trains, or Public Service Obligation (PSO), are said to remain the people’s top choice.

“KA Probowangi on the Ketapang–Surabaya Gubeng route is the most popular service with a total of 5,977 passengers,” he said.

Followed by KA Sritanjung on the Ketapang–Lempuyangan route with 4,227 passengers and KA Tawangalun on the Ketapang–Malang route with 3,835 passengers.

According to Cahyo, the high number of passengers is inseparable from the increased mobility during the long holiday, as well as demonstrating public trust in rail transport which is regarded as safe, comfortable, on-time, and efficient.

PT KAI Daop 9 Jember also ensures that services during the long holiday transport period run smoothly with safety and punctuality maintained.