Foreign Tourists Increasingly Opt for Trains, Yogyakarta Station Becomes Main Attraction
Source: Indonesia Railway Company Ltd.
Long-distance trains are no longer just a mode of transportation, but also part of the travel experience for foreign tourists. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) recorded that from January to September 2025, 546,989 foreign tourists traveled on Long-Distance Trains across various routes.
KAI Vice President of Public Relations, Anne Purba, stated that every foreign customer choosing the train essentially carries a positive story about Indonesia to the world.
"This is part of KAI's transformation commitment in supporting the government's vision through Astacita 2045 to provide infrastructure that is equitable, connected, globally competitive, and oriented towards a green economy," she said in an official release on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
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This figure increased compared to the same period the previous year, which saw 517,528 foreign tourists.
For Anne, this trend is proof of a significant shift in tourist perception.
According to her, this increase proves that long-distance trains are now increasingly trusted by foreign tourists as a safe, comfortable, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation to explore Indonesia's beauty.
Anne emphasized that KAI has emerged as the new face of modern Indonesian transportation, boosting the tourism sector and regional economies.
Yogyakarta Beats Jakarta
KAI data shows Yogyakarta Station was the top choice with 103,620 foreign tourists.
In second place was Gambir Station Jakarta (90,102), followed by Bandung Station (55,459).
These three stations, Anne said, serve as the main gateways to iconic tourist destinations like Borobudur Temple, Malioboro, and Lembang.
Other stations in the top 10 list include Pasar Senen, Surabaya Gubeng, Malang, Semarang Tawang, Probolinggo, Surabaya Pasar Turi, and Solo Balapan.
This distribution shows the railway network successfully connects major cities while simultaneously boosting inter-regional tourism.
One interesting example is Probolinggo Station. Many foreign tourists choose trains to and from Bromo because the journey is more comfortable, traffic jam-free, and integrated with onward transportation.
Besides heading to Bromo, stations like Surabaya Gubeng, Malang, Semarang Tawang, and Solo Balapan are also targeted by tourists wanting to enjoy the charm of heritage, culinary delights, and local culture.
Anne stated that every station is now not just about mobility, but also about experience.
Each station is transforming into a symbiosis of modern mobility and local cultural experiences.
With comfort, efficiency, and direct access to popular tourist destinations, trains are gradually becoming the best way for foreign tourists to explore Indonesia.
