The Indonesian railway company (PT Kereta Api Indonesia) in Surabaya, East Java, has achieved record sales for long-distance train tickets, with sales reaching 489,917 tickets, which accounts for approximately 87% of the total available capacity of 561,528 seats during the period from March 11 to April 1, 2026.
The company's public relations manager, Mehndro Trang Pawano, confirmed that these figures are expected to continue rising as the holiday return period approaches, noting that the company has prepared a range of promotional programs to attract more passengers.
Event Details
As part of the facilities offered to travelers, the company has launched several discount programs, including a 30% discount on economy commercial train tickets, which will be available from March 14 to March 29, 2026. Out of 188,288 discounted tickets, 149,897 tickets have been sold, indicating that approximately 80% of the tickets have been booked, with around 38,000 tickets still available to the public.
The company also launched the "Tabur Berkah" program in celebration of Eid al-Fitr, offering partial prices on popular routes to Yogyakarta and Semarang, with 21,411 seats available in executive class from March 22 to March 30, 2026, leaving about 6,000 tickets still available.
Background & Context
Railways are the primary mode of transportation in Indonesia, playing a vital role in connecting major cities and facilitating the movement of citizens, especially during occasions and holidays. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of passengers traveling by train, reflecting growing confidence in this mode of transport.
Historically, the railway system in Indonesia has suffered from a lack of investment and modernization. However, the Indonesian government has made significant efforts in recent years to develop railway infrastructure, contributing to improved service and an increase in passenger numbers.
Impact & Consequences
The high ticket sales figures indicate a strong demand from citizens for using trains as a safe and comfortable means of transport. This trend reflects people's desire to avoid the traffic congestion that plagues major cities, especially during holiday periods.
Additionally, the discount programs offered by the company enhance access to transportation services, encouraging more people to use trains instead of other means of transport. This could lead to reduced congestion on roads and lower carbon emissions resulting from traditional transport methods.
Regional Significance
Although this news pertains to Indonesia, the experience can be inspiring for Arab countries seeking to develop their transportation systems. Many Arab nations face similar challenges in transportation, where railways could contribute to improving citizen mobility and boosting the economy.
Indonesia's experience in enhancing railway services and offering attractive discounts can serve as a model for the Arab region, where countries can benefit from these experiences to develop their transportation infrastructure.