Information About Situbondo Station
Situbondo Station (SIT) is a former railway station located in Sumberkolak, Panarukan, Situbondo, East Java. It is situated at an elevation of +30 meters and falls under the jurisdiction of Asset Area IX Jember, managed by PT KAI Daop IX. However, its assets belong to the Directorate General of Railways of the Ministry of Transportation Indonesia.
Previously known as Soemberkolak Station, Situbondo Station was the closest station to the capital of Situbondo Regency. It began operating on October 1, 1897, simultaneously with the Kalisat-Panarukan railway line operated by Staatsspoorwegen.
The Kalisat-Panarukan line was the final section of the Probolinggo-Panarukan railway project, which was granted rights on June 23, 1893. Situbondo Station also had a branch line leading to the Panji Sugar Factory in 1912. Over the years, the station changed its name from Soemberkolak Station to Sitoebondo Station, then to Sitoebondo Goederenstation, and finally to Situbondo Gudang Station.
However, the line was discontinued in 1965. It was previously used for transporting sugarcane from the sugar factory. If you want to travel to Situbondo by train, you can still disembark at Kalisat Station.
Kalisat Station is located on Jl. Cokroaminoto, Krajan, Kalisat, Jember Regency. The distance from Kalisat Station to Situbondo is approximately 63 km. From there, you can continue your journey by using public transportation to reach Situbondo.
Unique Facts About Situbondo Station
1. Closed in 2004
Situbondo Station was nearing its closure and by then, it only served local trains on the Jember-Panarukan route (round trip). These trains were hauled by hydraulic diesel locomotives and comprised three distinct non-AC economy passenger cars.
Eventually, in 2004, Indonesia Railway Station Company made the decision to close Situbondo Station, along with its tracks and all services. This was due to outdated infrastructure and the station's inability to compete with private vehicles and public transportation.
2. Will Be Reactivated
According to the available information, the railway route in Situbondo is set to be reactivated. The construction process is scheduled to commence in 2024. The reactivation of the railway in Situbondo falls under the central government's jurisdiction. Mistoyo, the Acting Head of the Transportation Agency (Dishub) Situbondo, has stated that the railway access in Situbondo can stimulate economic growth within the local community.
3. Local Community Wants the Station to be Reactivated Soon
The old Situbondo Station building still stands today, although it is no longer fully equipped. The people of Situbondo, who eagerly await the return of trains, have expressed their hopes by leaving messages on the building. Phrases such as "We need train transportation back," "I live in Situbondo and want a train here," and "Come on, Situbondo! Bring back train transportation!" clearly demonstrate the community's strong desire for a station in this city.
