Argo Bromo Anggrek

Argo Bromo Anggrek is an executive class train operated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia on Java between Jakarta and Surabaya. The train covers 725 kilometres in 9 hours along Java's north coast, stopping at Cirebon, Semarang Tawang, and Pekalongan.

Etymology

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

Service

The original Argo Bromo train service "Argo Bromo JS-950" was inaugurated on 3 July 1995 by the then President of Indonesia, Suharto, to commemorate the Indonesian National Technology Day of 12 August 1995, and also the 50th Indonesian Independence. The success of the service led to the introduction of Argo Bromo Anggrek service which commence on 24 September 1997.

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

From Gambir Station, this train departs at 09:30 and 21:30 and arrives at Pasar Turi Station at 18:30 and 06:30. From Pasar Turi Station, Surabaya, this train departs at 08:15 and 20:00 and arrives in Gambir Station, Jakarta, at 17:00 and 04:57. The train only stops in Cirebon, Pekalongan and Semarang.

Argo Bromo Anggrek trains are composed of 5 to 7 executive class passenger carriages, pulled by GE CM20EMP (previously U20C) class locomotives. Argo Bromo Anggrek is one of the most known train in Indonesia which used a set of special coaches with "K9" bolsterless bogies. Since December 2010, carriages from the Sembrani and other standard executive class trains (K1) substitute the K9 carriages, which in that stage underwent refurbishment and renovation at Industri Kereta Api, Madiun, East Java. Currently, Argo Bromo Anggrek has a white exterior with green stripes along the sides of the train, together with the phrase 'GO GREEN'.

Facilities

Argo Bromo Anggrek Dining Car

Interior of Argo Bromo Anggrek

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 carriages or in a dedicated restaurant carriage equipped with karaoke facilities. All of this is deliberately designed to give the atmosphere of a hotel.

Accidents

• In 2005, an Argo Bromo dining car was on fire.
• On 2 October 2010, Argo Bromo Anggrek hit Fajar Utama Semarang at 03.00 am in Petarukan station, Central Java. Coach number 6 and number 9 shattered, 33 people were killed and 26 people wounded. The cause of this accident is under investigation.^[1]
• On 16 December 2010, Argo Bromo Anggrek hit four students in Dengok, Padangan, Bojonegoro, East Java. Three students were killed.^[2]
• On 16 November 2012, Argo Bromo Anggrek derailed near Bulakamba railway station, there were no casualties.
• On 9 March 2015, Argo Bromo Anggrek pulled by CC 206 13 68 was collided with a truck in Weleri, Kendal, Central Java. The driver died after the accident.^[3]

References

External links

• Official website of the Indonesian Railways

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Argo Bromo Anggrek Train.