Exploring Badui is now easier, as Banten launches a special tourist bus with a fare of only Rp1

Tuesday, 28 April 2026 | 11:27

Author: Arif S

Peluncuran QRIS tap moda transportasi wisata budaya Badui di Alun-alun Kota Serang, Banten.
Source: Antara/Desi Purnama Sari

Summary

1. Banten Provincial Government, Bank Indonesia Banten, and Damri launched a cultural tourism bus service to Badui (Serang-Ciboleger route) with a promotional fare of Rp1, payable via QRIS tap.

2. The service aims to improve tourist access to the traditional Badui area, a popular cultural destination in Banten.

3. Buses operate daily with departures from Serang at 06:00 WIB and from Badui at 12:00 WIB; the Rp1 promo fare is valid until May 31, 2026.

Traveling to Badui has become easier. The Banten Provincial Government together with the Bank Indonesia Banten Representative Office and Perum Damri launched a special bus service for Badui Cultural Tourism with a promotional fare of only Rp1 through the QRIS tap payment method.

The launch of the Serang-Ciboleger route responds to growing tourist interest in witnessing firsthand the life of the Badui community, an indigenous group known for preserving ancestral traditions and living in harmony with nature.

From Serang City Square, modernization efforts are channeled toward supporting cultural destination preservation.

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"Thanks to support from BI Banten and Perum Damri, we launched QRIS tap for Badui cultural tourism transportation on the Serang-Ciboleger route. For the next month, people only need to pay Rp1 using QRIS," said Banten Governor Andra Soni after the QRIS tap launch for Badui cultural transportation at Serang City Square, Banten.

For travelers, this route transcends intercity travel. From Serang to Ciboleger—the main gateway to Badui territory—tourists journey by road from urban bustle to Lebak's green hilly landscapes. This is where the walking trek to Badui villages typically begins.

Andra explained this service extends the integrated Public Transportation TransBanten program currently operating.

The local government also plans to introduce similar services to other Tourist Destinations in the province, expanding access to places historically associated with long journeys and limited transport.

Behind this convenience, Digital Transformation proves key. Banten has approximately 3 million QRIS users out of 60 million nationwide.

These figures demonstrate public readiness for cashless payments, including visits to cultural tourism areas.

"Tourism is a priority sector we're developing to drive economic growth. By simplifying digital payments, we're optimistic Tourist Visits to Banten will increase and stimulate the economy," stated BI Banten Head Ameriza M. Moesa.

Future expansion may include routes to Sawarna Beach—a favored coastal destination in southern Banten. Tangerang is also identified as a potential market for tourism access expansion.

Currently, two Damri buses serve the Serang-Ciboleger route. Departures are at 06:00 WIB from Serang and 12:00 WIB from Badui.

The Rp1 promotional fare runs from April 26 to May 31, 2026, via all digital banking apps supporting QRIS tap.

Post-promotion, a subsidized Rp25,000 fare applies daily. This makes visiting one of the archipelago's most authentic Cultural Heritages increasingly affordable.

Quick Answer

Banten Launches Special Tourist Bus to Baduy with Rp1 Promotional Fare

Banten province launched a special tourist bus service to the Baduy cultural area with a Rp1 promotional fare via QRIS tap payment. Operating daily on the Serang-Ciboleger route until May 2026, this initiative improves access to the traditional Baduy community.

Rp1 promotional fare available via QRIS tap payment until May 31, 2026
Daily departures: 06:00 WIB from Serang City Square, 12:00 WIB from Baduy
Part of TransBanten's public transportation expansion to cultural sites
Future plans include routes to Sawarna Beach and Tangerang
Post-promotion fare set at Rp25,000 for continued affordable access

The Banten Provincial Government, in collaboration with Bank Indonesia Banten and Perum Damri, has launched a special tourist bus service to the Baduy cultural area. With a promotional fare of just Rp1 payable via QRIS tap, this initiative significantly improves access to the traditional Baduy community in Lebak Regency. The service operates on the Serang-Ciboleger route, serving as the main gateway to Baduy territory where walking treks to indigenous villages begin.

Route and Operational Details

Two Damri buses currently serve the route with daily departures from Serang City Square at 06:00 WIB and return trips from Ciboleger (Baduy) at 12:00 WIB. The Rp1 promotional fare is valid through May 31, 2026, accessible via all digital banking apps supporting QRIS tap. Following the promotion period, the fare will be set at Rp25,000, maintaining affordability while supporting sustainable access to this cultural heritage site.

Digital Transformation in Tourism

This service extends the TransBanten integrated public transportation program and utilizes digital payment infrastructure. Banten's 3 million QRIS users demonstrate readiness for cashless transactions, even in cultural tourism areas. Bank Indonesia Banten highlights tourism as a priority sector for economic growth, with simplified digital payments expected to increase visitor numbers.

Future Expansion Plans

Provincial authorities plan to replicate this model for other destinations like Sawarna Beach, a popular coastal area in southern Banten. Tangerang has also been identified for potential tourism access expansion. This transportation initiative represents a modernization effort that connects urban centers with remote cultural sites while preserving traditional communities.