Matarmaja Train
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (persero) presents Matarmaja Train as an Economy Class train express service to connect Malang Kota Baru Station and Jakarta Pasar Senen Station. The train takes 16 to 15.5 hours to cover the 881-kilometers distance from Malang to Jakarta. During the long trip, Matarmaja Train passes two cities—Blitar and Madiun.
As an AC Economy train, Matarmaja offers a travel service based on PT Kereta Api Indonesia (persero) Economy Class standards. The train provides air conditioners, restroom, and meal service. The seats are covered with synthetic leather and can accommodate two or three passengers in each row. Each car has 2-2 seat arrangement with two electrical outlets in every four seats. The ticket is IDR 109.000 per person.
Matarmaja Train only run a round-trip each day. From Kota Baru Malang, it leaves at 05:30 pm. The trip takes at least 15 hours and 50 minutes, which means the train arrives at Pasar Senen Station by 09:20 am on the next day. From Jakarta, Matarmaja Train leaves Pasar Senen Station at 03:15 pm. The journey from Jakarta is a little longer—15.5 hours. Hence, the train arrives at Malang Kota Baru at 07:51 am on the next day.
During a journey between the two cities, Matarmaja Train stops at many stations. They are Malang Kota Lama Station, Kepanjen Station, Sumberpuncung Station, Kesamben Station, Wlingi Station, Blitar Station, Ngunut Station, Tulungagung Station, Kediri Station, Kertosono Station, Nganjuk Station, Madiun Station, Paron Station, Solo Jebres Station, Semarang Tawang Station, Pekalongan Station, Tegal Station, Babakan Station, Cirebon Prujakan Station, Jatibarang Station, Pegadenbaru Station, and Jatinegara Station.
Interesting Information about Matarmaja Train
The Origin of the Name
Unlike other trains in Indonesia, Matarmaja Train is not named after a mountain, a legendary figure, or a landscape. Matarmaja is an acronym of the main cities included in its route—Malang, Blitar, Madiun, and Jakarta.
The History of the Train
Matarmaja Train began to operate on 28th September of 1983. It was previously named Senja Maja Train, that ran a round-trip between Madiun and Jakarta. The first train consisted of several cars for Economy Class and one additional car for Business Class. Complying with passenger’s demand, in 1983, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (persero) extended Matarmaja Train route to Blitar and then Malang.
Besides, throughout its history, several changes were made on Matarmaja Train’s routes. Starting its operation for Purwokerto and Yogyakarta, the train then moved to the north through Pekalongan-Semarang, and then turned to Solo and Malang. The changes were intended to connect Semarang and Solo.
The Train Series
Matarmaja Train uses Locomotive CC201 or CC203. And the series consists of eight AC Economy cars, one buffet and generator car, and a luggage car.
Popularity and the '5 cm' Movie
If you watch the '5 cm' movie released in December of 2012, you must remember an iconic train scene of the six friends' journey to the Mount Semeru. The train they board was Matarmaja Train. Because of this movie, Matarmaja gains its popularity.