Krakatau Train
Krakatau Express Train, or commonly known as Krakatau, is an AC Plus Non-PSO Economy train that serves Merak - Cirebon - Madiun - Kediri – Blitar route. The train has been operating since 24th July of 2013 under the Operation Area 1 of Jakarta. At first, this train served Merak Station to Madiun Station route only. But on April of 2017, Krakatau Train extended their service to Merak Station - Blitar Station. They run a round-trip twice a day.
Covering 945 kilometers distance, Krakatau Train halt at 32 station stops. Based on the list dated 1st April of 2017, they are Blitar Station, Tulungagung Station, Kediri Station, Kertosono Station, Nganjuk Station, Caruban Station, Madiun Station, Barat Station, Paron Station, Walikukun Station, Purwosari Station, Klaten Station, Lempuyangan Station, Wates Station, Kutoarjo Station, Kebumen Station, Gombong Station, Purwokerto Station, Bumiayu Station, Cirebon Station, Jatibarang Station, Haurgeulis Station, Cikampek Station, Kerawang Station, Bekasi Station, Jatinegara Station, Pasar Senen Station, Tanah Abang Station, Rangkasbitung Station, Serang Station, Cilegon Station, and Merak Station.
For a one-way trip, the train takes 19 to 20 hours from Blitar to Merak Station. As for the schedule, the train departs from Blitar Station at 06:40 am and arrives at Merak Station by 02:35 am on the next day. From Merak Station, the train leaves at 08:30 and arrives at Blitar Station by 03:20 on the next day.
As a nonsubsidized service, Kertajaya sets a partial payment system. It means the ticket fare depends on which station passengers depart. And for the main travel from Blitar Station to Merak Station route, the fare is IDR 205.000 to IDR 270.000 per person.
Regarding the facility, Krakatau Train provides amenities in line with the PSO Economy Class standards set by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (persero). The facilities include AC, restroom, 144 seats for Economy Class, electrical outlets, baggage racks, and a buffet car service. From total 144 seats, 64 of them are disabled friendly.
Interesting Information about Krakatau Train
The Origin of the Name
The train is named after a mountain and island in Sunda Strait—Mount Anak Krakatau and Anak Krakatau Island. In Indonesia, it is the first train to use a name of a mountain.
History of the Train
The train began operating on 24th July of 2013, as an agenda to welcome Eid season in 2013. Krakatau Train was officially launched in Merak Station, and it became the fifth Economy Class train with air-conditioned cars.
At the beginning of its operation, Krakatau Train connected Merak and Madiun Station, with IDR 300.000 ticket fare for Merak Station to Kediri Station route and IDR 30.000 for Merak Station to Pasar Senen Station. The extended route to Blitar is a new arrangement set by PT KAI (persero) since 1st April of 2017.
The Train Series
The latest Krakatau train series uses Locomotive CC203 35, which was a mainstay for New Argo Jati Train. Today, the locomotive runs for Krakatau Express Train since its first departure. The main series of this train consists of one locomotive, eight cars for Economy Class, one buffet and generator car, and one baggage car.
The Only Train
Krakatau is the only train that covers an entire province in Java Island. The train also passes through all Administrative Cities in Jakarta. Therefore, Krakatau becomes the only Economy Class train that stops at Cirebon Kejaksan Station, while others halt at Cirebon Prujakan Station.