17 Hours Without Transit! Sangkuriang Train Officially Operates, Making Banyuwangi-Bandung Access Easier

Saturday, May 2, 2026, marked a new milestone in Indonesian transportation. PT Kereta Api Indonesia launched the Sangkuriang Train, serving the Ketapang-Bandung route directly without transit, providing a more efficient long-distance travel solution.

The inaugural departure was officiated by Ipuk Fiestiandani, along with Hengky Prasetyo and members of the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda). The ceremony began with the traditional breaking of a jug, symbolizing the safety of the train.

Ipuk Fiestiandani then presented the “Sembol 40” (Symbol 40) to the train driver, marking the official start of the Sangkuriang Train’s journey. This momentum is an important symbol of improving Banyuwangi’s connectivity with major cities like Bandung.

Hengky Prasetyo stated that the presence of the Sangkuriang train is the result of the aspirations of the public who want practical travel without having to change modes of transportation.

“We are presenting the Sangkuriang train with high service standards to provide a memorable travel experience for customers,” said Hengky Prasetyo.

Hengky Prasetyo added that this train not only functions as a means of transportation, but also as part of a regional tourism and mobility development strategy. The Sangkuriang train is designed with modern facilities that provide comfort for passengers from various groups.

The train’s composition is as follows:

• 1 Compartment car with a capacity of 16 seats
• 4 Executive Stainless Steel cars with a capacity of 200 seats
• 3 Economy cars with a capacity of 240 seats
• 1 Restoration car
• 1 Power Train

With these facilities, passengers can enjoy long journeys in greater comfort and safety.

Public interest in this service has been high since its inception. From Ketapang Station, 186 passengers boarded, comprising:

• 12 Compartment passengers
• 90 Executive passengers
• 84 Economy passengers

Meanwhile, the total number of passengers in the Jember Operational Area 9 area reached 495, or 109 percent of the available capacity. This demonstrates a dynamic passenger system throughout the route.

Passenger occupancy details include:

• Compartment: 75 percent
• Executive: 95 percent
• Economy: 123 percent

The Sangkuriang train covers a long distance, lasting approximately 17 hours without transit, offering greater comfort than other modes of transportation.

“The Sangkuriang train serves the Ketapang-Bandung route directly without transit, with a travel time of 17 hours. Hopefully, occupancy on this new service will grow significantly,” said Hengky Prasetyo.

Ipuk Fiestiandani assessed the presence of this train as crucial for improving connectivity and supporting regional economic growth. Ipuk Fiestiandani is also optimistic that this service will expand tourist access to Banyuwangi.

“The launch of the Ketapang-Bandung train will increase tourist visits. We also hope that this new service will make it easier for people to travel to and from Banyuwangi,” said Ipuk Fiestiandani.

With the arrival of the Sangkuriang train, people now have a more efficient and comfortable travel alternative. This service is clear evidence that rail transportation continues to evolve to meet the needs of the times while strengthening the tourism sector and the regional economy.

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