Mirella Pandjaitan
Jul 27, 2026
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has begun testing two carriages that will form part of its upcoming Nusantara Explorer Luxury Sleeper Train, marking a major milestone in the development of the premium rail service.
According to Anne Purba, KAI's Vice President of Corporate Communications, the Nusantara Explorer remains under phased development at Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng.
"Of the planned 12-car trainset, two carriages have now completed interior construction and undergone both static and dynamic testing. The test results will be used to refine the next stages of development," Anne said.
The two completed carriages have undergone both static and dynamic testing after finishing interior construction at Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng, KAI's railway workshop and maintenance facility.
Static testing was carried out to assess the functionality of onboard systems and facilities while the train was stationary, while dynamic testing took place along the Surabaya Gubeng-Lamongan route to evaluate the train's performance during operation.
The testing forms part of KAI's evaluation process before construction of the remaining carriages moves into the next phase. The dynamic trials assessed several aspects of the train, including stability, braking performance, electrical systems, and the functionality of its passenger amenities.
"Nusantara Explorer reflects the expertise of our team at Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng in developing rolling stock with increasingly diverse service concepts. Their technical experience and craftsmanship have been essential throughout every stage of the project," Anne added.
Following the completion of the initial static and dynamic tests, KAI will continue technical evaluations, refine the onboard facilities, and proceed with construction of the remaining carriages.
The company emphasised that details regarding the train's routes, operating schedule, fares, final train composition, and official launch date will only be announced once the entire development, testing, inspection, and service preparation process has been completed.
Three cabin categories
Designed as a luxury sleeper train, the Nusantara Explorer will combine private accommodations, personalised service, premium dining, onboard entertainment, and panoramic landscape viewing throughout the journey.
The Nusantara Explorer will feature three types of sleeper cabins:
1. Signature Class – Spacious private cabins with premium amenities.
2. Advance Class – Designed to balance comfort with efficient use of space.
3. Compact Class – A more space-efficient layout while maintaining passenger comfort with essential sleeping and storage facilities.
Beyond its sleeper cabins, the train will feature a Grand Restaurant designed to provide a more personalised dining experience through carefully arranged seating, ambient lighting, and private dining spaces.
Passengers will also have access to a dedicated lounge equipped with comfortable seating, a bar, entertainment facilities, a piano, an audio system, and large panoramic windows for uninterrupted views throughout the journey.
Inspired by Indonesian heritage
The Nusantara Explorer's interior blends neoclassical design with warm materials, soft lighting, and cultural motifs inspired by Indonesia's rich artistic heritage.
Decorative elements draw from wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), Lasem batik, Sekar Jagad batik, and traditional Balinese motifs, which are incorporated into the train's interiors, decorative patterns, materials, and colour palette.
"Indonesia's cultural identity is at the heart of the Nusantara Explorer experience. Every aspect—from the interior design and decorative motifs to the cuisine and service—has been developed to immerse passengers in the spirit of the archipelago throughout their journey," described Anne.