Enjoying Sumatra Through the Train Window, 21,911 Foreign Tourists Traveled on KAI Trains

indonesiatravelsport.com - Exploring Sumatra does not always have to begin with visiting a destination. The journey itself can become part of the travel experience, especially when you take in the island's scenery at a leisurely pace from the train window. This travel style is increasingly being chosen by international tourists. 

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded that 21,911 foreign tourists used rail services across Sumatra between January and August 2026.

This figure forms part of the total 498,232 international passengers that used KAI train services across all operational regions nationwide. On a national level, this number represents a 3.83 percent increase compared to the same January-August period in 2025 which recorded 479,861 foreign passengers, marking an additional 18,371 international travellers.

This growth in rail travel aligns with rising tourism activity across Indonesia. Data from Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) noted that international tourist arrivals to the country reached 1.53 million visits in July 2026, a 2.95 percent increase from the same month the previous year.

For travellers, train travel offers a distinct way to get to know an area. Trips are no longer just a means of moving between cities, but also provide the opportunity to observe landscapes, local community life, and the unique character of each region along the entire railway route.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that rail services have become an integrated part of visitors' journeys to discover the diverse natural, cultural and historical heritage across different parts of Indonesia.

"Indonesia is home to destinations with unique local characteristics in every region. Through our train services, travellers can enjoy journeys that connect different parts of the country while getting an up-close experience of the beauty of the archipelago," Anne explained.

Across Sumatra, KAI operates railway networks across multiple operational divisions. North Sumatra recorded the highest number of foreign rail passengers, with 14,023 international travellers using services in the region.

This was followed by West Sumatra with 5,427 foreign passengers. Meanwhile, KAI Operational Division IV Tanjungkarang recorded 1,362 international passengers, while Operational Division III Palembang recorded 1,099 foreign visitors.

When broken down by station, Medan Station recorded the highest volume of foreign travellers, with 4,037 international passengers using the station between January and August 2026.

Rantauprapat Station followed in second place with 1,780 foreign visitors. Next were Minangkabau International Airport Station with 1,345 international passengers, Padang Station with 1,338, and Tanjungbalai Station recording 1,261 foreign travellers.

These figures demonstrate the critical role that railways play in opening up access for visitors to travel to all parts of Sumatra. 

Arriving via Medan acts as the gateway to explore North Sumatra, including the Lake Toba region and all surrounding tourist destinations.

In West Sumatra, train journeys bring travellers up close to the natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Minangkabau people. 

Across other parts of Sumatra, railway routes offer distinct travel experiences, passing through protected natural areas, historic towns, and everyday local community settlements.

This travel potential runs parallel with growing international tourist arrivals to the island's provinces. BPS data shows that North Sumatra received 22,583 foreign visitor arrivals across three official entry points in January 2026. 

Over the same period, West Sumatra recorded 6,106 international tourist arrivals via Minangkabau International Airport.

For travellers not bound by tight schedules, train travel holds a unique appeal. Travel time itself becomes part of the experience, as the shifting scenery outside the window paints a vivid picture of how Sumatra's character changes from one region to the next.

KAI continues to improve travel quality to enhance passenger experience. Upgrading passenger facilities, simplifying access to travel information, and raising service standards both at stations and on board trains form core ongoing priorities for the company.

Anne added that rail travel presents one of the most organic ways to showcase Indonesia's tourism potential to both domestic and international visitors.

"Every train journey gives passengers the chance to get better acquainted with different parts of Indonesia. KAI will continue to strengthen our services to make travel more comfortable for both domestic and international tourists, while helping to promote the full tourism potential of the archipelago," she concluded.