KBRN, Kulon Progo: Kulon Progo Regency area in the Yogyakarta Province offers captivating natural scenery, especially when viewed from the window of a passing train. This is no surprise, as Kulon Progo boasts a stunning landscape for train passengers in Java.

Along the railway crossing Kulon Progo, travelers are treated to vast rice fields, the flowing Progo River, the green hills of the Menoreh range, and pristine rural settlements. These sights are the main attractions throughout the journey.

One iconic spot that certainly enhances the appeal of train travel in Kulon Progo is Kelok Mertan View, located in Mertan Hamlet, Sukoreno Village, Sentolo District. Here, visitors can enjoy a view of the railway tracks winding through expansive rice fields and hills.

From inside the train, passengers can watch the train curve like a steel snake between two large bends, with Mount Merapi and Merbabu as the backdrop on clear days.

"Kulon Progo possesses remarkable tourism potential with numerous natural paradises for outdoor enthusiasts and families,” said Feni Novida Saragih, state-own railways PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Operational Area 6 Yogyakarta Public Relation Manager on Thursday, March 1, 2025, as quoted by rri.co.id.

There are destinations such as Sermo Reservoir, Kalibiru, Pule Payung, and Nglinggo Highland that feature refreshing air, picturesque scenery, and family-friendly outdoor activities that are both safe and educational.

“These locations are relatively accessible and can be reached directly from Wates Station in Kulon Progo," she added

In recent years, services at Wates Station in Kulon Progo have significantly improved. The station now serves many intercity trains with the latest New Generation executive and economy classes, such as Lodaya Train, Jaka Tingkir, Mataram, Senja Utama Solo, and others.

Additionally, Wates Station offers affordable economy trains like Kahuripan Train and Kutojaya Selatan.

With Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) accessible via the Airport Train from Wates Station, intermodal integration is strengthened. This has made Kulon Progo a strategic gateway for logistics, tourism, and transportation in Java's southern region.

Kulonprogo Regency is a track and also an important stage in the train journey in southern Java. An experience that brings together transportation comfort and natural beauty in one series.

“Kulonprogo has a complete attraction, starting from beautiful nature, easy access, and its facilities continue to develop. This is one of the important points that hopefully will be increasingly looked at as a destination,” said Feni.

State-owned railways PT Kereta Api Indonesia Operation Area 6 Yogyakarta is actively strengthening tourism hubs centered on railway services. According to Feni, stations like Wates may be further developed as key mobility centers that support local economic growth, tourism, and environmentally friendly lifestyles based on rail transport. ***