Fate of Argo Parahyangan Train after Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train Operational: Maintained and Oriented Towards Tourism

Rindi Salsabilla Putri, CNBC Indonesia

Lifestyle

Saturday, 22/07/2023 21:20 WIB

Photo: Long-distance train at Gambir Station, Central Jakarta/Doc: KAI

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Main Director of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) or KAI Didiek Hartantyo revealed the fate of the Argo Parahyangan Train (KA) after the Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train (KCJB) operates later.

Didiek said, the Argo Parahyangan train will continue to serve Jakarta-Bandung trips even though KCJB operates from mid-August 2023.

“(Argo Parahyangan train) is still there,” said Didiek to CNBC Indonesia, Saturday (22/7/2023).

“It will be maintained. Indeed, later on, it will be oriented towards tourism,” added Didiek.

Photo: CNBC Indonesia/ Andrean Kristianto
Passengers board the priority class Argo Parahyangan train to Bandung at Gambir Station, Central Jakarta, Friday (9/3/2018). (CNBC Indonesia/Andrean Kristianto)

However, Didiek admitted that his party had not yet decided on the operational schedule for the Argo Parahyangan train. He said this would be adjusted according to the future situation.

“Later,” he said.

Previously, the Argo Parahyangan train was said to be retired when KCJB started operating. This was stated at a Hearing with Commission V of the Indonesian Parliament, together with the Main Director of PT Kereta Api Indonesia-China (KCIC) Dwiyana Slamet Riyadi, last Thursday (8/12/2022).

However, the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) ensures that the Argo Parahyangan train will continue to operate even though there is a KCJB.

Director General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation, Risal Wasal, stated that although the two modes have the same route, the route to market share is different. Therefore, the Argo Parahyangan and KCJB trains will operate in tandem.

“Gopar (Argo Parahyangan) continues to operate. The route is different, the service is different, the market share is also different,” said Risal.

KCJB will operate commercially on October 1, 2023. However, the public can try this train starting August 18, 2023. Later, a series of KCJB will have three service classes, namely First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy with different rates.

Watch the video below: