Argo Dwipangga (October 1998 - 2011)
In response to the low occupancy rate of the special class trains, the service was changed to executive class and the name of the train was changed to "Argo Dwipangga" on 5 October 1998. The color scheme of the Argo Dwipangga at that time was white-ivory, some of which were the typical gray of the "Argo" trains. [4]
In November 1998, the Argo Dwipangga began operating using a series of trains made by PT INKA, but the dining trains and generating trains used were existing trains at the Solo Balapan Depot. In 2002, this train also operated using the former Argo Lawu train set from 1996 after it operated using the K9 bogie train.
The Argo Dwipangga at that time had a distinctive feature, namely the "Dwipangga" logo with a picture of an elephant, both when it was still a special class train and the executive class "Argo" - unlike the logo on the "Argo" train at that time - before the logo change was carried out like other executive class "Argo" trains.
Argo Dwipangga (2011 - Present)
After the Manggarai Railway Center renovated the 1984 and 1986 executive trains to give them a "new image" with "airplane-like" windows, the Argo Dwipangga trains began operating using the renovated executive trains in 2011. The 1996 and 1998 trains were transferred to the Yogyakarta Train Depot (YK) to operate the Taksaka.
Since 21 July 2016, the Argo Dwipangga trains, along with the Argo Lawu and Bima, have been operating using the latest 2016 executive trains manufactured by PT INKA—before the trains were replaced on 1 December 2019.
On 26 May 2019, the Argo Dwipangga & Argo Lawu officially serving with the luxury class with 26 seats [5]
On 1 June 2023 following the enactment of new train travel chart 2023, the Argo Dwipangga to Surakarta also stops at Jatinegara Station to provide an alternative for passengers in the Jabodetabek area who use this service.
In December 2023, the Argo Dwipangga received a second-generation stainless steel train made by PT INKA. The latest train was launched on 13 December 2023. The difference from the previous generation is that the train entrance and connecting doors now use automatic electric doors. This will make it easier for customers to open and close the doors without expending a lot of energy. The sound of doors opening and closing is also quieter.
In addition, the passenger information system (PIDS) available on each train can display information about the nearest station, speed, and room temperature. The PIDS helps create a better travel experience and provides important information for customers during the trip. The windows of the new generation executive and luxury trains have also been updated to tempered double glass from the previous tempered glass so that the level of safety is higher, helps reduce the entry of excess heat and UV rays into the room, and reduces noise better. KAI added a USB charger port on each seat, in addition to the power outlets already available on the train walls. The additional charging facilities allow passengers to continue using their smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches no worrying about running out of power, in accordance with modern needs.
Another advantage of the latest luxury class is the addition of toilets from the previous Luxury train, from one to two, and separate male and female restrooms. The dining car in this latest generation has also been updated to be more luxurious, with premium interiors and furnishings. The dining car is dominated by wood touches and softer and more comfortable dining chairs. The same information system is also available in the dining car. [6]
