Indonesia Unveils 'The Nusantara Explorer,' a Luxury Train Promising Hotel-Like Experience

Imagine waking up in a hotel room, but the view outside the window is constantly changing. Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Imagine waking up in a hotel room, but the view outside the window is constantly changing. From vast rice fields to mountains and urban landscapes, all can be enjoyed without leaving the comfort of your bed. This is the experience offered by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) through The Nusantara Explorer, a luxury tourist train designed with the concept of a 'walking hotel.' KAI has completed the train set and is scheduled to launch it on September 28, 2027, coinciding with PT KAI's 81st Anniversary. Unlike typical long-distance trains, The Nusantara Explorer is designed to provide an integrated travel and accommodation experience. Passengers will not just travel from one city to another but can also enjoy facilities akin to a star-rated hotel while witnessing Indonesia's panorama from their windows. Liputan6.com had the opportunity to trial journey on The Nusantara Explorer from Bandung Station to Manggarai Station, Jakarta, on Saturday (19/9/2026). The sense of luxury was immediate upon stepping into the train. The Nusantara theme is a strong identity woven into almost every corner of The Nusantara Explorer. Touches of batik and Indonesian culture are present through various interior ornaments, from wood carvings to batik motifs. These details are the work of artisans from Boyolali, Central Java, blending traditional ornaments with modern interior design to create an atmosphere distinct from ordinary passenger trains. Warm lighting in several main carriages further enhances the intimate and elegant feel, making the journey feel more like staying in a hotel than simply traveling by train. The Nusantara Explorer train set consists of seven carriages, featuring several room classes: Compact Class, Advance Class, and Signature Class. The Compact Class has six compartments, while the Advance Class has four compartments. The Signature Class offers the most luxurious sleeping accommodations, with two compartments, each capable of accommodating up to two people. Liputan6.com had the chance to experience the Signature Class firsthand. As soon as the room door opened, the ambiance was more akin to a hotel room than a train cabin. A large, plush bed was the centerpiece, complemented by a sofa, television, and a table suitable for dining or working, complete with a chair. The facility is further enhanced by a private bathroom and toilet. A sitting toilet is provided within the room, while the shower area features gold accents, adding to the luxurious impression. One experience difficult to find on regular long-distance trains is enjoying the journey from the comfort of a bed. The large windows in the rooms allow passengers to continue watching the changing landscape as the train moves. The Nusantara theme extends beyond ornaments in common areas. Carpets, pillows, blankets, and even the walls of the rooms feature decorative elements with batik and carving motifs created by local artisans. Thus, cultural elements are not merely decorative but an integral part of the experience offered throughout the journey. The experience on The Nusantara Explorer is not solely centered on the sleeping quarters. One carriage serves as a central hub for passenger activities: the Grand Restaurant, designed with a fine-dining concept. There is also a lounge, a relaxation space for gathering and enjoying the journey. In the lounge, passengers will later be able to enjoy live music and karaoke. Both facilities are in separate carriages, each with its own function and atmosphere. The Nusantara Explorer also provides live cooking facilities. Passengers can witness food being prepared live by chefs, with safety measures in place. Further towards the rear of the train set, the journey experience increasingly focuses on the views. At the very end, there is a panoramic train car with an area allowing passengers to enjoy the natural landscape more broadly throughout the journey. All carriages of The Nusantara Explorer are also equipped with toilet facilities and a soundproofing system. An Idea Born from Prabowo Behind the concept of this 'walking hotel,' PT KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin stated that The Nusantara Explorer originated from an idea by President Prabowo Subianto. According to Bobby, the idea combined the beauty of Indonesia's nature and culture with the concept of local hospitality. 'So we designed this train. It took 6 months, right? We worked on it for 6 months, and by the end of July, it was tested by the President from Semarang to Batang, then from Batang to Jakarta, to Manggarai,' Bobby told reporters on Saturday (19/9/2026). Before reaching its current tested form, the train set received several inputs after being used by the President for the journey from Semarang to Batang and then Batang to Jakarta. Bobby mentioned that aspects such as air conditioning circulation, internet network, and the availability of hot water were areas of focus. 'We have improved all of these. Because it took us 1.5 months, we improved everything in 1.5 months, and today is the final version. This is the final version of the train,' he said. For KAI, The Nusantara Explorer is not just about offering a train journey. The experience is a crucial part of the concept being built. The natural panorama passed by the train is combined with accommodation, culinary, entertainment, and Indonesian cultural elements. This concept also opens up the possibility of using the train for state needs. The Nusantara Explorer can be utilized to welcome visiting foreign heads of state to Indonesia. Through such journeys, the government can introduce Indonesia's natural charm, culture, and culinary specialties. In the initial phase, KAI will implement a charter or rental system for specific durations and routes. This means one train set can be rented for specific needs, by private parties or government agencies. This scheme also opens up the possibility of using The Nusantara Explorer for various events requiring a special travel experience. The luxury offered naturally raises a question: how much will it cost to enjoy a journey on The Nusantara Explorer? KAI is still calculating the estimated prices that will be offered. However, Bobby assures that the cost will be adjusted to the experience and facilities provided. When asked about the nominal amount, Bobby stated that the rental cost for one train set would not reach IDR 100 million. 'It's value for money,' he concluded.