Argo Bromo Anggrek Explained

Type:Inter-city rail
Status:Operational
Locale:Operation Area VIII Surabaya
Start:Surabaya Pasar Turi
End:Gambir
Stops:Bojonegoro, Semarang Tawang, Pekalongan, Cirebon
Journeytime:8 hours and 5 minutes
Frequency:Twice daily
Trainnumber:1-4
Predecessor:Suryajaya (1994-1995)
Argo Bromo (1995-2000)
First:24 September 1997
Operator:Kereta Api Indonesia
Stock:CC206
Distance:720km (450miles)
Speed:90-

Argo Bromo Anggrek is the name of executive and luxury train jointly operated by Kereta Api Indonesia between Surabaya and Jakarta in Indonesia. The train covers 720km (450miles) in 8 hours and 5 minutes along Java's north coast, stopping at Bojonegoro, Semarang Tawang, Pekalongan, and Cirebon.[1] It is one of the best known trains in Indonesia.

Etymology

The name Argo Bromo was derived from the volcano Bromo in East Java. The term anggrek (Indonesian: orchid) was added to differentiate the train from its predecessor. The orchid is represented in the purple-white livery of the train.

Service

Its predecessor, the JS950 Argobromo, made the Jakarta–Surabaya run in about nine hours and was inaugurated on 31 July 1995 by the President of Indonesia, Suharto, ahead of the 50th anniversary of Indonesian Independence in 17 August (hence the JS950, for "Jakarta–Surabaya in nine hours, launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's independence"[2]). The success of the service led to the introduction of Argo Bromo Anggrek service which commenced on 24 September 1997.

The difference between Argo Bromo Anggrek and the original JS950 Argobromo train service is the usage of a set of more sophisticated passenger coach with bolsterless bogies, which are made locally by Indonesian Railway Industry (INKA). Although initially hailed as technological innovation of its day, even nicknamed as "747 on rail" by Tourism Minister Joop Ave, they were later downgraded in later years by having the disc brakes replaced with conventional brake shoes, and automatic doors replaced by manual ones due to poor maintenance, especially during and after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and a derailment at Manggarai station in 2010.

In 2021 schedule, From Gambir station (Jakarta), this train departs at 08.00 and 20.30, and arrives at (Surabaya) at 16.42 and 05.12. From Pasar Turi, this train departs at 09.00 and 20.35, arrives at Gambir at 17.44 and 05.19.

Argo Bromo Anggrek trains are composed of eight executive class, and one Luxury class passenger coaches, pulled by GE CM20EMP (previously GE U20C) locomotives. At the time of its first inauguration, the train used a set of special coaches with "K9" bolsterless bogies. Since December 2010, coaches from the Sembrani and other standard executive class trains (K1) substitute the K9 coaches, which in that stage underwent refurbishment and renovation at INKA, Madiun, East Java. Since 2019, Argo Bromo Anggrek uses stainless-steel coaches produced by INKA which has a standardized design as other executive class coaches built in the same period in Indonesia.[3] Since 29 March 2024, Argo Bromo Anggrek has officially used the "New Generation" executive train which has a 2023/2024 stainless steel body made by PT INKA, with a generator car and restoration (cafetaria) car.[4]

Facilities

Argo Bromo Anggrek provides entertainment facilities during the journey in the form of audio-video (Show On Rail). Passengers can also order food and drinks, which can be consumed in either the passenger's coaches or in a dedicated restaurant coach equipped with karaoke facilities. All of this is deliberately designed to give the atmosphere of a hotel.

Timetable

Argo Bromo Anggrek schedule as of 1 July 2023, times are in GMT+7:

Argo Bromo Anggrek Pagi
KA 1
(Surabaya Pasarturi-Gambir)
KA 2
(Gambir-Surabaya Pasarturi)
Station Arrive Depart Station Arrive Depart
—— 09.10 —— 08.20
10.1910.21Cirebon10.4310.46
Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng12.14 12.17 Pekalongan12.05 12.07
Pekalongan13.20 13.22 Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng13.09 13.12
Cirebon14.42 14.45 15.09 15.11
Gambir17.15 —— Surabaya Pasarturi16.25 ——
Argo Bromo Anggrek Malam
KA 3
(Surabaya Pasarturi-Gambir)
KA 4
(Gambir-Surabaya Pasarturi)
Station Arrive Departed Station Arrive Departed
—— 21.15 —— 20.30
22.2422.26Cirebon22.5322.56
Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng00.19 00.22 Pekalongan00.15 00.17
Pekalongan01.2501.27Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng01.1901.22
Cirebon02.47 02.50 03.19 03.21
Gambir05.20 —— Surabaya Pasarturi04.35 ——

Incidents

at 3:00 am the Argo Bromo Anggrek collided with the Fajar Utama Semarang at Petarukan station. Thirty-three people were killed and 26 injured, and coaches six and nine destroyed.[5]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Nursyamsi. M.. 2021-06-01. Mulai 1 Juni, Waktu Tempuh KA Argo Bromo Anggrek Lebih Cepat. Republika Online. id. 2021-06-01.
  2. News: Hendroprijono. Moch S. July 31, 1995. Presiden Soeharto Resmikan Sore Ini. KA Argo Bromo dan Argo Gede. Kompas. PT Kompas Media Nusantara. Kereta-kereta ini, yang akan ditarik oleh lokomotif kuat CC 203 dengan 2.150 tenaga kuda, akan menjalani Jakarta-Surabaya dalam waktu cuma 9 jam. Sementara Argo Gede akan beroperasi antara Bandung-Gambir PP dalam waktu 2 jam 20 menit. Nama awal proyek prestis ini adalah JS-950 untuk Argo Bromo, karena akan diluncurkan pada HUT Ke-50 RI dengan waktu tempuh 9 jam Jakarta-Surabaya, dan JB-250, Jakarta-Bandung 2 jam, bukannya Jakarta-Bandung 2 jam 20 menit..
  3. Web site: Intip Fasilitas Mewah KA Mudik Lebaran, Ada Smoke Detector-nya Lho!. Taufik Budi. 2019-04-15. Okezone.com. id. 2021-04-12.
  4. Web site: 2024-03-27 . Mulai 29 Maret, KA Argo Bromo Anggrek Gunakan Kereta Eksekutif Stainless Steel New Generation . 2024-05-06 . Tribunnews Wiki . id.
  5. Web site: Argo Bromo Tabrak Senja Utama, 9 Tewas. id. Argo Bromo hit the main sunset, 9 killed. 2 October 2010. Kompas.com.
  6. Web site: Argo Bromo Tabrak 4 Pelajar, 3 Tewas. id. Argo Bromo 4 Student Hit, Killed 3. 16 December 2010. Kompas.com.
  7. Web site: KA Argo Bromo Anggrek Tabrak Truk, Sopir Tewas. id. Argo Bromo Anggrek train hits a truck, the driver is killed. 9 March 2015. Wikha. Setiawan.
  8. Web site: Video Heppi Remaja Usia 13 Tahun Meninggal Tertabrak Kereta Api di Weleri . 2024-08-17 . Tribunjateng.com . id-ID.