Ricki Putra Harahap, Iqbal Riyanda, Agung Dharma, Jakarta – State railway operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) canceled dozens of train services across Java on Saturday following the derailment of the Argo Bromo Anggrek train in Subang, West Java, on Friday afternoon.
The incident disrupted operations along the crucial Surabaya – Jakarta route, leading KAI to halt 9 departures from Daop 8 Surabaya and 47 more from Daop 1 Jakarta. KAI officials said the cancellations were necessary while teams worked to restore the damaged tracks near Pegadenbaru Station, where the derailment occurred on Friday.
As of Saturday, the affected track has been repaired and reopened, but service disruptions continue as KAI reorganizes train schedules and rolling stock. Some trains are being rerouted via longer paths through Tegal, Purwokerto, and Bandung, while others remain canceled through August 3.
"The delays and cancellations are part of our efforts to ensure the safety and punctuality of all train services as we restore normal operations," said Franoto Wibowo, spokesperson for KAI's Semarang office, on Saturday.
The disruption has stranded hundreds of passengers, with long queues forming at Pasar Senen Station in Jakarta as travelers scrambled to get refunds or reschedule their trips. Rafiah, a 38-year-old passenger bound for Purwokerto, said she waited over five hours before opting to switch to a more expensive mode of transport.
Another passenger, Maya, who was traveling to Semarang, tried to reschedule her ticket for a later train but was still unsure whether the night service would run. "I checked online and saw a train available tonight, but there's no confirmation yet," she said.
KAI is offering full ticket refunds to affected passengers and has extended the refund window to 7 days after the original departure date. Refunds and rescheduling can be processed at any online station ticket counter, without administrative fees.
"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Safety remains our top priority," said Ixfan Hendriwintoko, spokesperson for KAI Daop 1 Jakarta. "We've notified all affected customers via SMS and WhatsApp, and our contact centers remain open to assist."
For further information, passengers can reach KAI's 24-hour Contact Center at 121 or via WhatsApp at 0811-1211-1121.