State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has recorded a notable increase in the number of foreign nationals travelling by train through various stations within the Semarang Operational Area (Daop 4) during the first semester of 2026. The figure represents a 9.38 per cent jump compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
The upward trend reflects a growing preference among international visitors for rail transport when navigating the region, driven by improved infrastructure, safety standards, and regional connectivity.
Semarang Tawang Retains Top Spot Alongside Regional Hubs
Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng Station continues to serve as the primary gateway for international commuters and holidaymakers entering and departing the regional capital. However, operational data indicates that foreign passengers are also increasingly utilising smaller regional hubs along the northern line.
KAI Daop 4 Public Relations Manager Luqman confirmed the figures in a statement released in Semarang on Friday, 17 July 2026.
“Semarang Tawang remains one of the preferred stations for foreigners departing and arriving, with 24,976 passengers,” Luqman said.
Although the central station in the Central Java capital remains the main destination for foreign nationals using the railway network, Luqman noted that overseas travellers are also boarding and disembarking at smaller stations, including Weleri and Pemalang.
According to Luqman, travelling by train offers a distinct perspective for international tourists who wish to observe the rural, urban, and coastal landscapes along the route.
He added that the railway system provides an efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport for foreign visitors exploring Indonesia, ensuring comfort, safety, and direct access to major tourist sites across Central Java.
Commitment to Tourism and Service Infrastructure
The rise in foreign patronage aligns with broader efforts to position rail transport as an essential component of the national tourism infrastructure. PT KAI maintains that continuous operational enhancements are crucial to sustaining this growth.
Luqman emphasised that the company remains dedicated to supporting the expansion of the regional tourism sector through rigorous maintenance schedules, service upgrades, and stringent safety protocols across all operational lines.
“We ensure that all facilities and routes in the Operational Area 4 (Daop 4) area are ready to ensure that travel for tourists, both domestic and international, is always comfortable and safe,” he said.
With ongoing improvements to passenger amenities and route efficiency, PT KAI expects international passenger volumes across Central Java to maintain a positive trajectory throughout the second half of the year.
