KA Parahyangan Maintains Popularity Despite High-Speed Rail Competition

Significant Passenger Growth

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has reported a substantial increase in passenger numbers for KA Parahyangan, one of its popular train services on the Jakarta-Bandung route. From January to October 2025, the train carried 728,949 passengers, representing a 41.75% rise compared to the 514,253 passengers recorded during the same period in 2024. This growth is particularly noteworthy given the introduction of the Whoosh high-speed rail service, which was expected to significantly impact traditional rail travel.

Passenger Preferences

The continued popularity of KA Parahyangan can be attributed to several factors. Vice President Public Relations of KAI, Anne Purba, highlighted that passengers appreciate the scenic views along the route and the comfortable three-hour journey. The train offers a travel experience that combines practicality with the enjoyment of Indonesia's landscape, making it a preferred choice for many commuters between Jakarta and Bandung.

Market Positioning

The success of KA Parahyangan in maintaining its passenger base, despite the competition from the Whoosh high-speed rail, demonstrates the diverse preferences within the travel market. While the Whoosh service focuses on speed, reducing travel time to under an hour, KA Parahyangan appeals to those who value a more leisurely journey with picturesque views. This differentiation allows both services to coexist, catering to different segments of the market.

Future Outlook

The strong performance of KA Parahyangan suggests that there is continued demand for traditional rail services that offer more than just speed. KAI's ability to maintain and grow its passenger numbers indicates a successful strategy in differentiating its services and providing value to its customers.