Train Tickets Sold Out as More People Join Jokowi-JK Parade

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tickets for a number of train journeys into Jakarta have sold out as out-of-towner flock in hordes into the capital to witness the parade of Jokowi Widodo as the President of the Republic of Indonesia in the National Monument (Monas) on Monday, October 20, 2014.

The Public Relations Manager of the Yogyakarta branch of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), Bambang S. Prayitno, said that the load factor of Jakarta-bound trains over the weekend have reached 100 percent. "Tickets from Solo, as well as Yogyakarta were sold out," he said on Monday, October 20, 2014.

According to Bambang, the average maximum load factor on Jakarta-bound trains on a normal weekend usually hovers between 80 to 95 percent. PT KAI has noted a 5 to 10 percent jump on passenger occupancy across all train services bound for Jakarta.

Tickets are sold out for Jakarta-bound Argo Dwipangga, Taksaka Malam, Senja Utama Solo, Gajah Wong, Senja Utama Yogya, Bengawan, and Jaka Tingkir trains. Bambang said that the average load factor across all Jakarta-bound trains today reaches 80 percent. "Some trains have managed to fill up more than 90 percent of their seats," said Bambang.

KAI said that the jump in load factor over the weekend is caused by the animosity of Solo and Yogyakarta residents to witness Joko Widodo's inauguration and to participate in the massive celebration that is slated to happen later on in the evening at the National Monument (Monas). "Residents of Solo and Yogykarta have a special bond with Jokowi. As such, many residents have decided to go to Jakarta by train to witness the festivities," said Bambang.

Prior to assuming the country's highest post in 2014, Joko Widodo had ruled as the Mayor of Solo between 2005-2012, with approval ratings exceeding 90 percent.

UKKY PRIMARTANTYO