November 11, 2025 | 02:22 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - After nearly two decades of service, Indonesia’s capital region has bid farewell to three of its iconic Japanese-made commuter trains.
PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KAI Commuter), the operator of the Greater Jakarta commuter rail network, officially retired the Tokyu 8500 series, the TM 7000 series, and the JR 203 series this week.
These trains, imported from Japan between 2006 and 2011, were the first generation of air-conditioned electric multiple units (KRL) that revolutionized urban rail travel across Jakarta and its surrounding cities, collectively known as Jabodetabek.
The retirement was marked with a Last Run event titled Arigato KRL at Jakarta Kota Station on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The event, organized by the Indonesian Railway Preservation Society (IRPS), brought together train enthusiasts, representatives from the Japanese Embassy, and executives from PT KAI Commuter.
Honoring Japan–Indonesia Railway Cooperation
KAI Commuter President Director Asdo Artriviyanto said the 8500, 7000, and 203 series trains symbolized the enduring partnership between Indonesia and Japan in developing modern urban railway systems.
“The Japanese government has contributed greatly to the advancement of Indonesia’s railway ecosystem,” Asdo said.
He noted that the three series were the first to bring air-conditioned comfort to the Jabodetabek network, setting a new standard for commuter services.
“These trains were a turning point in shaping the modern commuter line system we know today,” he added.
As a tribute to their historical importance, KAI Commuter plans to designate the retired train sets as cultural heritage assets.
Farewell with a Touch of Japanese Tradition
IRPS Chairman Ricki Dwi Agusti explained that the Last Run tradition was inspired by Japan’s train enthusiast culture, where similar farewell ceremonies are held before old train sets are decommissioned.
“The Tokyu 8500 series, affectionately known as Jalita KRL, has become an icon of the commuter system,” Ricki said.
“This Last Run is a tribute to the passengers who have shared countless journeys across Jabodetabek over the years.”
The Tokyu 8500 series, particularly the 8613F train set, originated from Tokyu Railway, a private railway operator in Japan. Introduced in 1975 on the Den-en-toshi Line—literally meaning “Garden City”—the train used advanced field chopper control technology and represented a second-generation design at the time.
The import of these Japanese trains coincided with PT KAI’s broader effort to upgrade urban train services in the Greater Jakarta area.
Their arrival also marked the establishment of KAI Commuter as a dedicated subsidiary focused on managing commuter operations.
Prior to that, all urban train services were handled directly by PT Kereta Api Indonesia.
Commuters Recall a New Era of Comfort
For Ahmad Nurfikri, a Bogor resident who attended the farewell event, the Jalita KRL holds deep memories of change. Before the air-conditioned fleet arrived, he recalled enduring overcrowded carriages—often with passengers forced to ride on the roof.
“The Jalita KRL changed everything,” said Ahmad, a retired private bank employee. “It marked the beginning of real improvements in Jabodetabek’s train services.”
After nearly two decades of transformation, Ahmad said he can now enjoy safer and more comfortable commutes.
“Every carriage is air-conditioned. There are no more street performers, smokers, or hawkers inside the train. The difference is remarkable,” he said.
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