Enjoying Sumatra From the Train Window, 21,911 Foreign Tourists Travelled on KAI Railway Services

Exploring Sumatra does not always have to begin with a destination. The journey itself can become part of the travel experience, especially when you take in the island's scenery at a slow pace from behind the train window. This travel method has started to be widely chosen by foreign tourists.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded that 21,911 foreign tourists used train services across the Sumatra region from January to August 2026.

This figure forms part of the total 498,232 foreign tourists that used KAI train services across all operational areas. Nationally, this number rose by 3.83 percent compared to the January-August 2025 period which recorded 479,861 passengers, marking an increase of 18,371 foreign travellers.

The growth of train travel runs parallel to the rising tourism activity in Indonesia. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded 1.53 million foreign tourist visits to Indonesia in July 2026, an increase of 2.95 percent compared to the same period in the previous year.

For travellers, trains offer a different way to understand a region. A trip is no longer just about moving from one city to another—it also provides the chance to observe landscapes, local community life, and the distinct character of every area along the entire railway route.

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

"Indonesia hosts many destinations with unique characteristics in every region. Through train services, travellers can enjoy journeys that connect different areas while getting a closer appreciation of the Archipelago's beauty," stated Anne.

Across Sumatra, railway routes are spread across multiple KAI operational regions. North Sumatra recorded the highest number of foreign train passengers with 14,023 travellers.

This was followed by West Sumatra with 5,427 foreign tourists. Meanwhile, Regional Division IV Tanjungkarang recorded 1,362 passengers and Regional Division III Palembang recorded 1,099 passengers.

When sorted by station, Medan recorded the highest volume of foreign visitors. Medan Station registered 4,037 foreign tourists throughout January to August 2026.

Rantauprapat Station ranked second with 1,780 foreign visitors. This was followed by Minangkabau International Airport Station with 1,345 visitors, Padang Station with 1,338 visitors, and Tanjungbalai Station with 1,261 visitors.

These figures demonstrate how railway systems are opening access for travellers to reach all parts of Sumatra.

Departing from Medan, the railway acts as a gateway to explore North Sumatra, including the Lake Toba region and all surrounding tourist destinations.

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

Meanwhile across other parts of Sumatra, railway lines offer distinct experiences passing through protected natural areas, historic towns, and the everyday life of local communities.

This potential develops in line with foreign tourist arrival trends across the provinces. BPS recorded that North Sumatra received 22,583 foreign visitor arrivals through three entry points in January 2026.

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

For travellers who are not pressed for time, train travel holds a unique appeal. Travel duration itself becomes part of the experience, while the shifting scenery outside the window paints a clear picture of Sumatra's changing character as you cross from one region to another.

KAI continues to improve travel quality to support passenger experience. Development of passenger facilities, simplified access to travel information, and raised service standards both at stations and during onboard journeys form part of the company's ongoing efforts.

Anne stated that train travel can become one of the primary methods to introduce Indonesia's full tourism potential to both domestic and international passengers.

"Every train journey gives passengers the opportunity to get to know different parts of Indonesia more intimately. KAI will continue to strengthen our services so that both domestic and international travellers can enjoy more comfortable journeys, while also supporting the promotion of the Archipelago's tourism potential," she concluded.