Nusantara Explorer Launched, a Premium Tourism Train for Exploring Indonesia

Experiencing Indonesia through travel is never only about the final destination — the journey begins the very moment the Train departs. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has officially launched the Nusantara Explorer, a premium tourist train fleet built around an authentically Indonesian travel concept.

The launch was held as the highlight of KAI's 81st Anniversary celebration themed "The Continuum – Timeless Transformation", at Ciputra Artpreneur Jakarta on Monday, 28 September.

Nusantara Explorer forms part of KAI's corporate transformation agenda to evolve travel services, while simultaneously driving growth for Indonesia's tourism sector.

Its core concept blends cross-country travel with cultural immersion, comfort, premium hospitality standards, and an uninterrupted experience of Indonesia's diverse heritage throughout the entire duration of the trip.

This tourist train was developed fully in-house by KAI personnel at the Surabaya Gubeng Railway Workshop. The entire train interior has been reengineered to transform the vehicle from merely transport infrastructure, into a dedicated immersive experience space for passengers.

KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin explained that this concept was developed to answer the demand for evolved railway services that also strengthen national tourism.

"Some time ago we received guidance to create railway services that actively support Indonesian Tourism. Today we present the Nusantara Explorer: a journey that weaves together Indonesia's Natural Beauty, local hospitality, traditional wisdom, and Indonesian Culture," stated Bobby.

The Nusantara Explorer delivers a one-of-a-kind Travel Experience by combining the full potential of Indonesian Tourism with premium railway service standards. Every section of the train is designed with distinct service characteristics, to create a personal journey atmosphere while giving passengers full space to savour the trip.

One full train set includes dedicated zones: Signature Class, Advanced Class, Compact Class, Shared Lounge, Grand Restaurant, plus the on-board Kitchen & Crew facilities. Signature Class and Advanced Class offer private passenger cabins, while the Lounge and Grand Restaurant function as open social spaces for interaction during travel.

The Nusantara Explorer has a total maximum capacity of 91 passengers. 36 passengers may be accommodated in private cabin areas, while the remaining 55 guests are hosted in the Lounge and Grand Restaurant zones.

Development of this train fleet passed through multiple rounds of refinement. KAI adjusted all operational aspects based on user testing feedback to improve passenger experience, including air circulation systems, communication and internet connectivity, and all supporting travel amenities.

For KAI, this immersive travel experience sits at the core of their mission to introduce Indonesia's richness via rail. The company aims to integrate passing natural landscapes, local culture, and signature Indonesian hospitality into one seamless journey.

"Indonesia is blessed with extraordinary natural wealth, living culture, and travel destinations. Through the Nusantara Explorer, we aim to deliver journeys that leave every passenger with meaningful stories, genuine comfort, and lasting memorable experiences," added Bobby.

Development of tourist rail services will not end with this launch. Railway-based tourism offerings will continue to be expanded, to provide more diverse travel options for the public while supporting sustainable growth of the national tourism sector.

"KAI will continue transforming to deliver ever improving, people-centric services, including through development of products that support public mobility and advance Indonesian tourism," Bobby confirmed.

Prior to public unveiling, the Nusantara Explorer completed full technical preparation and official certification processes in cooperation with the Directorate General of Railways. All validation stages were conducted to guarantee full operational safety and readiness before the fleet enters commercial service.

The launch of the Nusantara Explorer introduces an entirely new paradigm for Railway Tourism. Travel is no longer just the means to reach a destination — it has become the experience itself: discovering Indonesia through passing landscapes, living culture, warm hospitality and comfort, all contained within one train journey.