Argo Bromo Anggrek

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.

Its predecessor, JS950 Argo Bromo, was inaugurated on 31 July 1995 by the President of Indonesia, Suharto, to commemorate the Indonesian National Technology Day of 12 August 1995, and also the 50th anniversary of Indonesian Independence. 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 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 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.

From Gambir station (Jakarta), this train departs at 08.15 and 20.30 and arrives at Pasar Turi station (Surabaya) at 17.15 and 05.30. From Pasar Turi, this train departs at 08.30 and 20.15 and arrives in Gambir at 17.30 and 05.15.

Argo Bromo Anggrek trains are composed of five to seven executive class passenger coaches, pulled by GE CM20EMP (previously GE U20C) locomotives. 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 Industri Kereta Api, Madiun, East Java. Currently, Argo Bromo Anggrek has a white exterior with blue stripes along the sides of the train, the same livery as other trains in Indonesia.

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.

Argo Bromo Anggrek schedule as of 10 February 2020:

• 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.[1]
• 16 December 2010: four students were hit in Dengok, Padangan, Bojonegoro, East Java. Three were killed.[2]
• 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.[3]

• Jakarta–Surabaya line
• List of named passenger trains of Indonesia
• Rail transport in Indonesia
• Argo Wilis same destination train but different start

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Argo Bromo Anggrek Train.

• "Situs Resmi PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero)". Official website of the Indonesian Railways. Retrieved 24 September 2017.