Argo Bromo Anggrek (train)

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 720 kilometres (447 mi) 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.

Argo Bromo Anggrek
Argo Bromo Anggrek with the New Generation executive train speeding to Jakarta Gambir
Overview
Service typeInter-city rail
StatusOperational
LocaleThe 8th Operational Area of Surabaya
PredecessorSuryajaya (1994-1995)
Argo Bromo (1995-2000)
First service24 September 1997
Current operator(s)Kereta Api Indonesia
Route
TerminiSurabaya Pasar Turi
Gambir
StopsBojonegoro, Semarang Tawang, Pekalongan, Cirebon
Distance travelled720 kilometres (447 mi)
Average journey time8 hours and 5 minutes
Service frequencyTwice daily
Train number(s)1-4
Technical
Rolling stockCC206
Operating speed90–120 km/h (55–75 mph)
Route map
GMR
Gambir
to Bogor
CN
Cirebon
Cipamali River
West Java
Central Java
PK
Pekalongan
SMT
Semarang Tawang Kedungsepur (train)Trans Semarang
planned line to Port of Tanjung Emas
BJ
Bojonegoro
Commuter rail in Surabaya to Indro
SBI
Surabaya Pasar Turi Commuter rail in Surabaya
Notes:

Etymology

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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

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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 Pasar Turi station (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

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Argo Bromo Anggrek dining car (old version)
 
Interior of Argo Bromo Anggrek (old version)

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

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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
Surabaya Pasarturi —— 09.10 Gambir —— 08.20
Bojonegoro 10.19 10.21 Cirebon 10.43 10.46
Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng 12.14 12.17 Pekalongan 12.05 12.07
Pekalongan 13.20 13.22 Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng 13.09 13.12
Cirebon 14.42 14.45 Bojonegoro 15.09 15.11
Gambir 17.15 —— Surabaya Pasarturi 16.25 ——
Argo Bromo Anggrek Malam
KA 3
(Surabaya Pasarturi-Gambir)
KA 4
(Gambir-Surabaya Pasarturi)
Station Arrive Departed Station Arrive Departed
Surabaya Pasarturi —— 21.15 Gambir —— 20.30
Bojonegoro 22.24 22.26 Cirebon 22.53 22.56
Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng 00.19 00.22 Pekalongan 00.15 00.17
Pekalongan 01.25 01.27 Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng 01.19 01.22
Cirebon 02.47 02.50 Bojonegoro 03.19 03.21
Gambir 05.20 —— Surabaya Pasarturi 04.35 ——

Incidents

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  • 2005: a dining car caught fire.
  • 2009: a power car caught fire at Cikampek. The train continued on to Cirebon without the power car.
  • 2 October 2010: 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]
  • 16 December 2010: four students were hit in Dengok, Padangan, Bojonegoro, East Java. Three were killed.[6]
  • 16 November 2012: the train derailed near Bulakamba station.
  • 9 March 2015: the train, pulled by locomotive 13 68, collided with a truck in Weleri, Kendal, Central Java. The driver died after the accident.[7]
  • 30 April 2021: the train hit 2 people at an unguarded illegal crossing in Penaburan Village, Weleri[8]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Nursyamsi, M. (1 June 2021). "Mulai 1 Juni, Waktu Tempuh KA Argo Bromo Anggrek Lebih Cepat". Republika Online (in Indonesian). Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  2. ^ Hendroprijono, Moch S (31 July 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. ^ Taufik Budi (15 April 2019). "Intip Fasilitas Mewah KA Mudik Lebaran, Ada Smoke Detector-nya Lho!". Okezone.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  4. ^ "Mulai 29 Maret, KA Argo Bromo Anggrek Gunakan Kereta Eksekutif Stainless Steel New Generation". Tribunnews Wiki (in Indonesian). 27 March 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Argo Bromo Tabrak Senja Utama, 9 Tewas" [Argo Bromo hit the main sunset, 9 killed]. Kompas.com (in Indonesian). 2 October 2010.
  6. ^ "Argo Bromo Tabrak 4 Pelajar, 3 Tewas" [Argo Bromo 4 Student Hit, Killed 3]. Kompas.com (in Indonesian). 16 December 2010.
  7. ^ Setiawan, Wikha (9 March 2015). "KA Argo Bromo Anggrek Tabrak Truk, Sopir Tewas" [Argo Bromo Anggrek train hits a truck, the driver is killed] (in Indonesian).
  8. ^ "Video Heppi Remaja Usia 13 Tahun Meninggal Tertabrak Kereta Api di Weleri". Tribunjateng.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 17 August 2024.
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