The KA Argo Parahyangan Tambahan 7061 is probably the most unique Argo Parahyangan train among all in the same series. While it looks like a normal train in the booking system and even looks physically like any other train from Bandung, KA 7061 does not actually serve Jakarta Gambir station, but instead, terminates at Jakarta Pasar Senen – not a place where Argo class trains usually go to. On my trip, the KA Argo Parahyangan Tambahan 7061 had just opened for sale, so buying a ticket on this rare journey with the new Ekesekutif 2018 Stainless Steel coaches was a no-brainer.
The station was crowded with people queuing to buy tickets.
The ticket kiosks remained empty though. Hmm, maybe everyone was buying local train tickets.
Heading to the CIC kiosks to check in for my train with my Tiket.com reservation.
Strangely, the KA Argo Parahyangan Tambahan 7061 did not show up on the departure board.
However, I was able to check-in normally.
Printing out my boarding pass for the KA Argo Parahyangan Tambahan 7061 trip to Jakarta Pasar Senen.
My boarding pass for the KA Argo Parahyangan Tambahan 7061 trip from Bandung to Jakarta Pasar Senen.
Heading to the departure gate.
Getting my boarding pass checked against my passport at the boarding gate.
Crossing over the tracks via the main sheltered linkway over to the platforms.
Staff were at hand to guide passengers to the correct train and welcome everyone to their respective coaches.
My train was ready at Track 3 for boarding. The Premium 2019 Stainless Steel coaches formed the rear end of the train facing Jakarta.
The new Kereta Makan 2019 Stainless Steel is also attached.
Probably the most unique Argo Parahyangan Tambahan nameplate as seen on my KA 7061, featuring the Bandung – Pasar Senen route.
CC 206 13 81 leads my KA Argo Parahyangan Tambahan 7061 train from Bandung to Jakarta Pasar Senen.
Boarding my Eksekutif Class at Coach 4.
A first look of my seat on my first Eksekutif 2018/2019 Stainless Steel ride.
I booked Seat 7A as usual for the exact middle of the coach.
The very generous legroom on board the new Eksekutif 2019 Stainless Steel.
A pillow has been set for every passenger.
The super generous legroom on board.
The view of the Eksekutif 2019 Stainless Steel coach from my seat.
The reverse view of the interior of the Eksekutif 2019 Stainless Steel coach.
The forward view of the interior of the Eksekutif 2019 Stainless Steel coach.
An additional TV set can be found in the middle of the coach.
Rather than the usual sound broadcasting, the new Eksekutif 2018/2019 Stainless Steel coaches has a headphone jack for you to plug your headphones in if you would like to listen to the programming.
The usual mini side table and power sockets are also provided.
The new Eksekutif 2018/2019 Stainless Steel allows you to activate or stow away your footrest depending on your preference with the side foot pedal.
To activate it, simply pull it down with your foot. There are a couple of clicks depending on how high or low you prefer your footrest to be.
To adjust, press down on the pedal and move the footrest to your preferred position.
To stow it again, just press on the pedal all the way and let the footrest spring itself up.
Reading lights are available too.
A step away from the usual toilet fittings on INKA coaches, the new Eksekutif 2019 Stainless Steel coach only features western-style toilet bowls. No squat toilets are available on the Eksekutif 2019 Stainless Steel coaches.
As this unique KA Argo Parahyangan Tambahan 7061 is made up of an idle KA Senja Utama Solo rake, more unique train destination signs can also be found on board including the KA Sidomukti made up of the idle KA Senja Utama Solo rake from Solo Balapan too.
The interior of the new Kereta Makan 2019 Stainless Steel coach featuring more seating options rather than the usual 4-a-table arrangement.
The new service counter features display racks for food too.
A new packaging for the in-train Reska catering is also featured.
The coach identification plate of this Kereta Makan 2019 Stainless Steel, M1 0 19 01, the very first coach of the 2019 batch.
The interior of the Premium 2019 Stainless Steel coach. More TV sets are installed on these new coaches.
The average legroom available on the Premium coaches, similar to low cost airlines.
Departing from Bandung, passing by Ciroyom on the outer tracks.
The catering trolley made its rounds surprisingly early on this trip.
The conductor only made his rounds after the catering trolley passed by. However, as everyone was already in their assigned seats without issues, the check for the whole coach was done in about 15 seconds.
Passing through Padalarang.
Taking a sharp right turn.
Lots of beautiful plantation sceneries out of the window.
Making a brief stop at Cilame for crossing.
Crossing with the KA Argo Parahyangan 34 at Cilame.
The KA Argo Parahyangan 34 is made up of Stainless Steel coaches too.
Continuing onwards to Jakarta, approaching the Cikubang Bridge.
A promotional video for the Ambarawa Railway Museum was played.
Watch the video here:
Passing by the Cipularang Toll Road.
A video from the Japanese Station Channel was played after.
This is Episode 1: Touchdown Japan!
Watch the episode here:
Passing through Cikadongdong station.
Here, it started to rain.
Passing over the famous Cisomang Bridge.
More vast sceneries of Indonesia.
A video of the new Ekesekutif 2018 Stainless Steel was played too.
Stainless Steel-ception.
Watch the video here:
I headed to the Kereta Makan to grab some dinner.
I got myself a Nasi Rames Nusantara. This costs Rp.38,000 (~S$3.64).
Just when I thought Reska’s microwaved food couldn’t get any sadder, the new packaging looks exactly like SAF out-rations. I had half my mind to tear the corner of the box to create my fork picker, spoon and knife.
But the food tasted alright.
A small Mushola can also be found in the Kereta Makan.
There is sufficient space to fit 1 person comfortably, or perhaps 2.
A prayer mat is provided in the Mushola.
Telekung for prayers are also provided for ladies in the Mushola.
The route map of the KA Senja Utama Solo and KA Sidomukti in the coaches, the original services for this rake.
Exploring the fold-out side table on the Eksekutif 2019 Stainless Steel.
The bottle/cup holder seems a little big for my 350ml bottle of Teh Botol, but might fit a regular 500 or 600ml bottle perfectly, I’m not sure.
The sun setting as the KA Argo Parahyangan Tambahan 7061 heads into Bekasi Regency.
Passing by Cikarang station, with a KRL train waiting to depart probably immediately after my train has passed through.
Approaching Bekasi.
Sorry crowd.
Making another brief stop at Jatinegara, where most passengers alighted after realising that the train doesn’t go to Gambir.
Arriving at Jakarta Pasar Senen Railway Station right on time at 6.38pm.
The reclined seat of the Eksekutif 2019 Stainless Steel offers plenty of room. I can foresee myself using this comfortably on an overnight train.
There’s also a wheelchair bay to secure a wheelchair if required, though I’d dread to think about the legroom here.
The emptied-out interior of the Eksekutif 2019 Stainless Steel.
Disembarking at Pasar Senen.
A strange feeling for me to use this station from Bandung. On top of that, it’s actually my first time using this station. Surprise surprise.
Heading out of the station.
The exit is through an underpass below the platforms.
Heading under the tracks to the main station building.
Heading out of Pasar Senen Railway Station.
I had half my mind to use the KRL Loop Line to Duri to connect with the Railink, but the timetable was a bit too tight for my comfort and I risk missing my flight.
The main hall of Jakarta Pasar Senen Railway Station.
The glass facade of Jakarta Pasar Senen Railway Station.
From here, I headed out of the station to catch a Grab to the airport for my flight back to Singapore. Better to be way early for my flight than to risk missing it with the train connections.
Overall, the KA Argo Parahyangan Tambahan 7061 was an interesting experience, first being my first time trying out the new Eksekutif 2019 Stainless Steel coaches – getting the newest batch of all was an even bigger bonus to take a fresh train out of the manufacturing plant, and also to ride on a slightly different route to Pasar Senen – where no Argo trains serve. If you hadn’t guessed yet, I would have definitely been able to get a train to the airport if I were have alighted at Jatinegara and changed to the KRL to Sudirman and catch the Railink from there, but what opportunity might I have again to try out such an unusual route on the Argo Parahyangan to Pasar Senen?
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