Becoming a Favorite Destination for Train Passengers, KAI and Banyuwangi Regency Collaborate to Increase Tourist Visits

Banyuwangi Regency is one of the favorite tourist destinations for train passengers. In fact, trains to Banyuwangi are among the top 3 most crowded in Indonesia, during the long holiday in early May. For this reason, the Banyuwangi Regency Government and PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Persero, collaborated to increase tourist visits.

The Banyuwangi Regency Government met directly with the President Director of PT KAI and his staff, in Jakarta to discuss this collaboration, Wednesday (21/5/2025).

Present at the meeting were the President Director of PT KAI Didiek Hartantyo along with the board of directors such as; Managing Director of Commerce, Hadis Surya Palapa; Plt. President Director of KAI Services, Ririn Widi Astutik; Director of Consumer Business, Lies Permana Lestari; and other board of directors.

“We are very happy and appreciate the rapid development of Banyuwangi. Banyuwangi is very inspiring. We are ready to collaborate to increase passengers to Banyuwangi,” said Didiek.

One of them, KAI is ready to collaborate with the district government to hold attractions that can encourage visits to Banyuwangi.

“Later we will involve local MSMEs to boost the people’s economy. Because our principle is to Live and Give Life,” said Didiek to Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani via online connection at the meeting.

Also present at the meeting were Deputy Regent Mujiono and the Banyuwangi Regency Government staff.

“In addition, transportation cannot run alone. With collaboration with the local government, an integrated and connected transportation system. Together we must also build connectivity,” he continued.

Didiek said, PT KAI will also revitalize several stations in Banyuwangi, with a distinctive style of local wisdom and environmentally friendly like Banyuwangi’s commitment so far, such as Ketapang Station and Kalisetail Station.

Previously, KAI had revitalized Banyuwangi Kota Station, by carrying an architectural design that was thick with touches of Osing culture which is an indigenous tribe in Banyuwangi Regency.

“We are pleased with Banyuwangi’s ideas where public spaces feature local architecture and environmentally friendly buildings. We will implement this in the stations that we will renovate in the future,” said Didiek.

Meanwhile, Regent Ipuk appreciated and thanked PT KAI for its support in Banyuwangi. According to Ipuk, public transportation is now not only about getting on and off passengers.

“But also public spaces that enliven the economic and cultural activities of the community,” said Ipuk.

According to Ipuk, this collaboration will present a travel experience for passengers that depicts Banyuwangi’s local identity, with its rich culture and cuisine.

“With this, when people arrive in Banyuwangi by train, they can immediately feel the local atmosphere, both from the design of the station, to the culinary and cultural offerings,” added Ipuk. (*)