Luxury Car

In late March 2003, Indonesia's Minister of Finance came to Bandung for a business trip. And like most government officials, he arrived by rail.

What really interesting for me, is that he came to Bandung, using a luxury car.

The car is named 'Nusantara' rail car. It is usually used for government duties, although it's also possible for public to use this car (as one of my friend told me) albeit with 'luxurious' price...!

I visited this car with one of my friend, while it was parked, on Saturday. It was closed when we arrived.

But with help from one of our friend who is the State Railway's Chief of Public Relation for Bandung area, we can enter the car.

What struck me is that how luxurious the car is. Indeed it has almost all of amenities normally seen on 'Orient Express' train. It has luxurious bedroom, lounge, and dining room which is similar with any luxury train anywhere around the world. Although the bathroom looked rather ordinary, and the presence of a tv unit is a turn-off for admirer of track side beauty in Indonesia.

Anyway, the train itself is simply beautiful, and the photos will tell you how good the train is.

	The exterior view of 'Nusantara' car. The car is seen attached behind a 2nd class carriage. Note the rear view window, not normally seen in Indonesia.
	A CC201 loco is ready to attach the car to the 'Argo Gede' train on adjacent station building (to the left, out of this picture).
	The loco is coupled to the railcar. Later the carriage was pulled and attached to the nearby train, mentioned above. Whereas the 2nd class carriage was left on the siding.
	The interior view of 'Nusantara' railcar's lounge. It looks cozy and comfortable. The dining room is visible in the background.
	The opposite view the lounge. A VCD and DVD player is visible underneath the TV. I sat on the chair and it's just comfortable!
	A closer view of dining room, with the author sitting. You can see the rear view of the train from here. And this might be a perfect place for honeymoon, especially when it goes on a night journey.
	An officer doing some inspection on 'Nusantara' car's air conditioner. Imagine if one government official arrived, while this guy is standing like this and farting!!