Train Tickets Departing 5 Days Before Eid Most Popular Among Eid Homecoming Travelers

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Train ticket sales continue to increase as the 2025 Eid al-Fitr approaches. Tickets for departures from five days to two days before Eid, or from March 26, 2025, to March 29, 2025, are the most sought after. The favorite routes are still those from west to east in Java, such as Jakarta-Surabaya and Yogyakarta-Banyuwangi.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) or KAI reported an increase in train ticket sales during the 2025 Eid al-Fitr period. Train ticket sales for departures two days before Eid al-Fitr, on March 29, 2025, have reached 75,189 tickets or 57 percent of the total capacity for that day as of Tuesday (18/2/2025) at 07:00.

"We observe a high public interest in using trains as a mode of transportation for the Eid homecoming. Ticket sales data indicate that trains remain the primary choice for many people for long-distance travel," said Vice President of Public Relations KAI Anne Purba in her official statement in Jakarta, quoted on Thursday (20/2/2025).

As of February 18, 2025, KAI has sold 697,668 tickets or 35 percent of the total 1.98 million tickets available for the period from 10 days before to 3 days after Lebaran. A significant surge in sales occurred for departures from 5 days to 2 days before Lebaran.

Several popular routes for the public are Jakarta-Surabaya, Jakarta-Solo, Bandung-Blitar, Yogyakarta-Banyuwangi, Jakarta-Purwokerto, and Jakarta-Purworejo. Some trains are the main choices for travelers. Among them are Argo Semeru, Bima, Argo Dwipangga, Brawijaya, Gajayana, Majapahit, Turangga, Malabar, Cakrabuana, Tegal Bahari, and Gunungjati.

"Some train travel occupancy has reached 100 percent for west to east trips at certain times and days leading up to Eid al-Fitr," he said.

Anne estimates that ticket sales will continue to increase as the Eid al-Fitr holiday approaches. Ticket reservations can be made through the Access by KAI application, the official KAI website, or other official channels that collaborate with KAI. Tickets can be booked starting 45 days before departure or D-45.

Regarding the additional trains, KAI will soon announce to the public after going through the finalization process. This is because KAI needs to conduct a thorough inspection of the railway facilities, including locomotives and train sets, both in technical and operational aspects.

In order to improve KAI's performance, the State-Owned Enterprise changed the frequency of train trips in the 2025 Train Travel Chart or Gapeka. Maximum travel speed and travel time reduction continue to be pursued.

Every day, KAI Group operates 2,244 train trips on Java Island. This includes long-distance train trips, Jabodetabek and Solo-Yogyakarta Electric Rail Trains (KRL), Airport Trains, Freight Trains, and Official Trains.

With the high number of train trips, the distance between train trips becomes shorter. Commuter line trips in Jabodetabek during peak hour, for example, trains pass every 5 minutes. Long-distance trains in Java Island can pass every 15-30 minutes.

Anne said, the shorter distance between trains increases the risk of disrupting train travel. Moreover, referring to KAI records, there are 3,896 level crossings throughout Indonesia.

There are 3,896 level crossings throughout Indonesia.

He again reminded the public as vehicle drivers to stop when the railroad crossing begins to close. Train travel must take precedence.

"KAI invites all road users to obey the rules and signs provided by always prioritizing safety when crossing level crossings. Joint vigilance and discipline can prevent accidents that harm many parties," said Anne.

Separately, transportation expert Djoko Setijowarno said 81 percent of accidents at level crossings occur at unguarded locations. An average of 24 people become victims per month.

"The central and regional governments should ideally close accident-prone level crossings. However, the government can also provide flyovers or underpasses so that motorists do not cross those routes anymore," said Djoko, who is also Deputy Chairperson of Empowerment and Regional Development of the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) Center.

Level crossings that are still standing are usually guarded by track guards (PJL) who are responsible for maintaining the safety of drivers, minimizing train accidents, securing trains when passing through crossings, and operating crossing gate equipment. They are equipped with special knowledge and training to obtain special certificates.

"Vigilance must be increased at level crossings between railroads and highways, especially on village roads and at night. Cooperation and coordination can be done with the village government," said Djoko.

In the midst of budget efficiency, PJL needs to be maintained, instead of being laid off. The local government can strengthen the existence of PJL through village funds to maintain level crossings. Because it is responsible for the Transportation Agency that coordinates PJL.