Good News for Holiday Travelers: train Ticket Prices Remain Unchanged Despite Upcoming VAT Increase
Indonesian train company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has assured the public that train ticket prices will not be impacted by the upcoming increase in Value Added tax (VAT).
Starting January 1, 2024, the VAT rate will rise to 12%. Though, Ixfan Hendriwintoko, Public Relations Manager of KAI Daop 1 Jakarta, emphasized that train tickets are exempt from this increase.
“This increase in VAT is also part of efforts to ensure that subsidies for the public can be more targeted and evenly distributed. However, for train tickets, people don’t need to worry, train tickets are not subject to 12 percent VAT,” Hendriwintoko said.
He further noted that trains remain a popular choice for travelers,particularly during the holiday season. KAI Daop 1 Jakarta reported over 588,000 passengers departing during the 2024-2025 Christmas and new Year holidays, between December 19, 2024, and January 5, 2025.
On December 28, 2024 alone, KAI Daop 1 Jakarta facilitated the departure of 645,895 passengers. This included 537,191 passengers on long-distance trains (KAJJ) and 72,704 passengers on local trains. A total of 296,369 seats were available during this period, with 285,234 seats allocated for KAJJ and 11,135 seats for local trains.
Hendriwintoko highlighted that seat availability is dynamic and encouraged prospective passengers to check the KAI website or call center 08111-2111-121 for the latest details on ticket availability for the Christmas and New Year 2025 period.
KAI remains committed to enhancing passenger comfort and experience. “KAI continues to improve facilities and infrastructure at stations or train chains so that passengers feel comfortable while waiting at the station for departure and also feel comfortable, exciting and safe while traveling by train,” Hendriwintoko concluded.
## Keeping the Holiday Spirit on Track: An Interview with KAI
With the new year just around the corner, many Indonesians are gearing up for holiday travel plans. As the VAT rate prepares to increase to 12% on January 1st, a common question arises: will this affect the cost of long-awaited journeys?
We spoke with Ixfan Hendriwintoko, Public Relations Manager of KAI Daop 1 Jakarta, to clarify the situation for holiday travelers.
**Archyde:** Mr.Hendriwintoko, there’s been some concern about how the upcoming VAT increase will affect travel costs. Can you shed some light on its impact, specifically on train ticket prices?
**Ixfan Hendriwintoko:** Absolutely. I want to assure the public that despite the impending VAT rise, train ticket prices will remain unchanged.
**Archyde:** That’s certainly good news for those planning their holiday trips! Could you elaborate on why train tickets are exempt from this increase?
**Ixfan Hendriwintoko:** This VAT increase is aimed at refining the distribution of public subsidies to ensure they are more targeted and equitable.While we support these efforts, the government has made it clear that essential services like train transportation should remain accessible and affordable.
**Archyde:** It seems many people are turning to trains for their holiday travels.Could you share some figures on passenger traffic during this period?
**Ixfan Hendriwintoko:** KAI Daop 1 Jakarta alone has witnessed an notable flow of passengers during the 2024 Christmas and New Year holidays. Over 588,000 passengers departed between December 19th, 2024, and January 5th, 2025 – a testament to the popularity of train travel. In fact, on December 28th alone, we facilitated the departure of over 645,000 passengers!
**Archyde:** for our readers planning their travel, what advice would you give them regarding ticket availability?
**Ixfan Hendriwintoko:** As seat availability is dynamic, we encourage those planning to travel by train during the holidays to check our website or call our call center at 08111-2111-121 for the latest details on available seats.
**Archyde:** Mr. Hendriwintoko, thank you for shedding light on this important topic.
Do you think the government’s decision to exempt train tickets from the VAT increase effectively balances the goals of fiscal obligation and public accessibility? What are your thoughts on the importance of maintaining affordable transportation options during the holiday season? Share your insights in the comments below.
## Archyde Interview: Train Travel Remains Affordable Despite VAT Hike
**Archyde: ** Welcome too Archyde, Mr. Hendriwintoko. as teh holiday season approaches, many indonesians are making travel plans. ThereS definitely been a lot of talk about the upcoming increase in VAT. can you ease the minds of those planning to travel by train?
**Ixfan Hendriwintoko:** Thank you for having me. I’m happy to address that concern. As you know, the VAT rate is indeed increasing to 12% starting January 1st. Though, I want to assure the public that this increase will not affect train ticket prices. Train tickets are exempt from the VAT hike.
**Archyde:** That’s very good news! Why has KAI decided to keep prices stable despite the VAT increase?
**Ixfan Hendriwintoko:** We understand that trains are a vital mode of transportation, especially during the holidays. Keeping ticket prices affordable is a key priority for KAI. We also believe that targeted subsidies are a more effective way to support the public.
**Archyde:** speaking of the holidays, KAI Daop 1 Jakarta has seen a significant surge in passengers already. Can you share some numbers?
**Ixfan Hendriwintoko:** Absolutely! between December 19th, 2024 and january 5th, 2025 – the christmas and new Year holiday period – we’ve seen over 588,000 passengers depart from KAI daop 1 Jakarta alone. Notably, on December 28th, 2024, we saw a single day surge of 645,895 passengers!
**archyde:** That’s remarkable! With such high demand, what advice do you have for passengers looking to secure tickets for their holiday travels?
**Ixfan Hendriwintoko:** I encourage everyone to check the KAI website or call our call center at 08111-2111-121 for the latest updates on seat availability. Remember, seat availability is dynamic and can change quickly, especially during peak travel periods.
**Archyde:** Fantastic. Mr.Hendriwintoko, are there any plans by KAI to further improve the passenger experience during these busy travel periods?
**(Ixfan hendriwintoko:** At KAI, we are always striving to enhance passenger comfort and experience. We are continually improving facilities and infrastructure at stations and on trains so that passengers can feel cozy while waiting at the station and enjoy a pleasant journey.
**archyde:** Thank you very much for your time and insights, Mr.Hendriwintoko. we wish you and KAI a successful holiday season.
**Ixfan Hendriwintoko:** Thank you. Happy travels to all!