Argo Wilis

Argo Wilis is an executive and panoramic class train operated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia between Surabaya and Bandung in Java, Indonesia. The train covers 696 km in 9 hours and 53 minutes with stoppage at Cipeundeuy, Tasikmalaya, Ciamis [id] , Banjar, Kroya, Kutoarjo, Yogyakarta, Solo Balapan, Madiun, Kertosono, Jombang, and Mojokerto. This train runs in the morning from Bandung to Surabaya Gubeng or vice versa, and arrives at the destination at evening/night. In the journey Bandung to Surabaya, passengers can enjoy the beautiful panorama of the eastern part of Parahyangan mountainous region.

Etymology
The word "Argo" (Javanese for "mountain") is a brand name of superior executive train services by KAI, while the word "Wilis" is taken from Mount Wilis, a 2,169 m high mountain with its highest peak in the Bajulan, Nganjuk Regency, East Java.

1998-2018
The train service was inaugurated on 8 November 1998 by the Minister of Transportation, Giri Suseno Hardihardjono at Surabaya Gubeng Station and the Governor of West Java, R. Nana Nuriana at Bandung Station. At first, this train operated using a series of trains made by PT. INKA released in 1998 which is equipped with an NT-60 (K8) bogie and there is one optional trip that operates at night. At the beginning of operation until around 2017, this train was often pulled using the CC203 and CC201 locomotives. At the beginning of its operation, this train also served trips at night with optional status.

Due to low occupancy rate around 2008, this train was once operated as an elective train, and there was even talk of abolishing the Argo Wilis train service.

In mid-2016, this train began operating with eight or nine executive class trains as the occupancy rate increased which resulted in the CC206 locomotive being used as a towing locomotive to replace the CC203/CC201 locomotive. Apart from that, priority type executive train services are also added which only run at certain times.

2018-present


As of 8 June 2018, the Argo Wilis train operates using a series of stainless steel executive trains made by PT INKA released in 2018 and 2019 along with dining trains and generating trains.

On 1 December 2019 Argo Wilis extended to Jakarta (Gambir station) via Cikampek-Padalarang line, and Argo Wilis added stops station at Jatinegara (only from Surabaya), & Cimahi. However, this train route has been returned to how it was (–) since the COVID-19 pandemic and is still valid today.

In September 2021, Argo Wilis shortened travel time and increased speed to 120 km/hour. Also applies to Argo Bromo Anggrek, Argo Lawu, Argo Dwipangga, and Taksaka train.

As of 1 June 2023, coinciding with the implementation of the 2023 Train Travel Chart (Grafik Perjalanan Kereta Api or Gapeka), the Argo Wilis train will serve stops at Ciamis Station and will also exchange circuits with the Turangga Train.

Facilities
The train consists of 7-9 executive passenger coach, 1 dining car, and 1 power carriage. The train has capacity for 350-400 passengers.

The train has received the latest series from INKA since its launch in 1998. However, because some of the 1998 executive freight trains were also allocated to the Argo Dwipangga, some 1995 executive trains owned by KA Argo Gede were often used especially if the train needs a long series. As of June 2018, Argo Wilis used trains that varied between Argo executive trains made in 1995, 1996, 1998 and 2002, and other trains, and often exchanged trains with Argo Parahyangan. Since 8 June 2018, Argo Wilis has officially used the latest executive train which has a 2018 stainless steel body made by PT INKA Madiun, complete with a new train and generator train. The train uses CC206 locomotive. Previously used locomotive were CC203, CC201, and CC204. This executive class train uses a 2-2 seat formation which can accommodate 50 passengers per train. The seats in this class are made of leather seats that can be reclined and rotated according to the direction of the train.

Incidents

 * On 4 February 2013, the Argo Wilis train pulled by the CC201 locomotive collided with a Toyota Avanza in Manonjaya, Tasikmalaya, West Java. One person survived, while five people were seriously injured.
 * On 20 December 2013, there was damage to the rail at km 393+8//9 between Maos-Sikampuh. A local resident managed to stop the Argo Wilis train, which was speeding so that it could stop before crossing the tracks.
 * On 17 October 2023, in Sentolo, Kulon Progo, between Wates and Sentolo stations, the Argo Semeru train derailed, and the same time from the opposite direction the Argo Wilis train hit the rear carriage of the Argo Semeru, injuring several people.