KBRN, Jakarta: State-owned railway company PT KAI (Kereta Api Indonesia) recorded that train occupancy hit 100 percent during the 2025 Vesak long weekend, reflecting high travel demand as passengers filled available seats across routes totaling 984,470 for long-distance and local services.

PT KAI Vice President of Public Relations, Anne Purba, stated that public interest is very high. Long-distance ticket sales reached 77 percent as of Saturday morning, May 10.

"KAI has noted a high level of public interest in using trains during the Vesak Day holiday and joint leave period, from May 9-14. Therefore, KAI is operating a total of 984,470 seats, consisting of 828,839 for long-distance trains and 155,631 for local trains," said Anne Purba on Saturday May 10, 2025, as reported by rri.co.id.

"As of Saturday, May 10 at 09:00 a.m., sales of long-distance train tickets reached 638,894 tickets, or 77 percent of capacity. For local trains, sales reached 111,407 tickets, or about 72 percent of the total seats, and are expected to continue increasing," she added.

The peak of departures occurred on May 9, serving 190,376 passengers. This figure exceeded the available capacity of 163,560 seats. Anne believes that the occupancy rate of over 100 percent reflects public trust. The support of additional personnel and the optimization of train sets have enhanced services.

The Airlangga train on the Surabaya Pasar Turi–Pasar Senen route holds the top position in popularity. Sri Tanjung, Kahuripan, Joglosemarkerto, Probowangi, and Pasundan trains are also among the favorite choices.

Other popular routes include those to Ketapang, Lempuyangan, Gubeng, and Solo Balapan. The surge in passengers to tourist destinations is strengthening the local tourism sector.

"We are committed to improving timely, safe, and comfortable services. KAI also ensures accurate schedules and friendly customer service," she stated.

The 2025 Vesak holiday in Indonesia has been designated as a long weekend, following the Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB) of Three Ministers. Vesak Day falls on Monday, May 12, 2025, and is recognized as a national holiday. Additionally, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, has been declared a collective leave day, extending the break for the public.

This arrangement allows Indonesians to enjoy a four-day long weekend, starting from Saturday, May 10, through Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The extended holiday is expected to boost domestic tourism, particularly at Borobudur Temple, where thousands of Buddhist devotees will gather for spiritual celebrations.

The spike in demand for train tickets reflects the holiday’s impact on transportation and tourism, as families and pilgrims alike maximize the four-day break for leisure and religious observance. ***