The name Argo Bromo was derived from the volcano Bromo in East Java. The term anggrek was added to differentiate the train from its predecessor. The orchid is represented in the purple-white livery of the train.
Service
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. 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 its disc brakes replaced with conventional brake shoe and automatic doors replaced by manual doors due to poor maintenance, especially during and after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, and a derailment at Manggarai station in 2010. From Gambir station, this train departs at 08.15 and 20.30 and arrives at Pasar Turi station at 17.15 and 05.30. From Pasar Turi station, this train departs at 08.30 and 20.15 and arrives in Gambir station, at 17.30 and 05.15. The train only stops at Bojonegoro, Semarang, Pekalongan, and Cirebon. Argo Bromo Anggrek trains are composed of 5 to 7 executive classpassenger coaches, pulled by GE CM20EMP class locomotives. Argo Bromo Anggrek is one of the most known train in Indonesia which used a set of special coaches with "K9" bolsterless bogies. Since December 2010, coaches from the Sembrani and other standard executive class trains 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 nowadays.
Facilities
Argo Bromo Anggrek provides entertainment facilities during the journey in the form of audio-video. Passengers can also order food and drinks, which can be consumed in either the passenger's coaches or in a dedicated restaurant coaches equipped with karaoke facilities. All of this is deliberately designed to give the atmosphere of a hotel.
Itinerary
Argo Bromo Anggrek trip schedule per 10 February 2020
in 2009, an Argo Bromo power car was on fire at Cikampek Station, Argo Bromo keep to going without power car until Cirebon Station.
On 2 October 2010, Argo Bromo Anggrek hit Fajar Utama Semarang at 03.00 am in Petarukan station, Central Java. Coach number 6 and number 9 shattered, 33 people were killed and 26 people wounded. The cause of this accident is under investigation.
On 16 December 2010, Argo Bromo Anggrek hit four students in Dengok, Padangan, Bojonegoro, East Java. Three students were killed.
