Exploring Two Tourism Paradises via Rail: Banyuwangi-Bandung Direct Train Coming Soon

Imagine starting your morning with the scent of the Bali Strait sea breeze, then ending your day in a cool city embraced by mountains. Soon, this dream will be more than just talk. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Daerah Operasi (Daop) 9 Jember is currently exploring the launch of a new Banyuwangi-Bandung round-trip (PP) train route. This will be a cross-Java journey connecting two of Indonesia's premier tourist destinations.

"This new route is expected to address public needs while creating a new tourism segment from the eastern tip of Java at Ketapang Station in Banyuwangi to the cultural and tourism hub of West Java at Bandung Station," said Cahyo Widiantoro, Manager of Legal and Public Relations for KAI Daop 9 Jember, in Jember, East Java.

A Long Journey Full of Stories

If the route opens, passengers could depart from Ketapang Station, Banyuwangi, in the morning heading towards Bandung – a city blending art, culinary delights, and refreshing mountain air.

During the trip, passengers can enjoy the sunrise over the Bali Strait waters and the green scenery along Java's southern route.

"A travel experience like that will no longer be just a dream; KAI Daop 9 Jember is currently exploring the opening of this new route," said Cahyo.

Currently, there is no direct train service from Ketapang to Bandung. Passengers must first transit in Surabaya.

Therefore, this planned new route offers a breath of fresh air for travelers, photographers, travel communities, and adventure-loving families seeking overland journeys.

Banyuwangi and Bandung: Two Faces of Indonesian Tourism

The Banyuwangi-Bandung connectivity is not merely about bridging distance, but about merging two contrasting yet complementary tourism worlds.

At Java's eastern tip, Banyuwangi captivates with Ijen Crater, Alas Purwo National Park, exotic beaches like Red Island (Pulau Merah), and rich local culture.

Meanwhile, in the west, Bandung offers cool mountain air, nature and culinary tourism, and bustling creative fashion and education centers.

"Banyuwangi Regency is known for Ijen Crater, Alas Purwo, beach tourism, and cultural richness, while Bandung is known as a center for nature tourism, culinary, education, and creative fashion," explained Cahyo.

With direct connectivity, KAI hopes to attract a new passenger segment: domestic and international tourists, travel communities, and families who enjoy scenic journeys.

Rising Mobility Data, Increasing Tourism Opportunities

The increasing public interest in travel is a key reason behind exploring this route. According to KAI data, passenger mobility in the Daop 9 Jember area has increased significantly over the last two years.

From January–October 2024, the total passengers departing and arriving at Daop 9 reached 3,224,921 people. This number jumped 18 percent in the same period in 2025, totaling 3,811,347 passengers.

"There was an 18 percent growth in both departing and arriving passengers. This increase confirms that public mobility needs continue to grow, and KAI is responding to this opportunity through service innovation," said Cahyo.

The Banyuwangi-Bandung route is seen not only as opening up new tourism but also strengthening connectivity for education, the economy, and the mobility of students and workers.

A Route Shaped by Public Aspiration

To ensure this service truly meets public needs, KAI conducted a survey on interest in the Ketapang-Bandung route. The public can provide support and input.

"We conducted this survey so that the service prepared truly aligns with community needs. Public input will be a crucial foundation in our planning," explained Cahyo.

Public participation is key to making this promising route a reality. Because the journey from Banyuwangi to Bandung isn't just about the distance between stations; it's about connecting two tourism landscapes, two cultures, and two natural charms of Indonesia along a single rail track.

If this route officially opens, prepare for an experience of two cities in one long, romantic journey. From the sea scent of Ketapang to the cool mist of Lembang – a journey that could become the most beautiful travel story across Java Island. (Antara)