KUDUS — The growth of Kudus as a sports tourism destination has created new demands beyond the sporting arena. The arrival of athletes, officials, support staff, and spectators from various regions has increased the need for accommodation and transportation to facilitate travel to and from the city.
One critical access point is the connectivity between Kudus and Semarang. The presence of Jenderal Ahmad Yani International Airport makes the Central Java provincial capital a primary gateway for visitors traveling to Kudus by land.
Amidst this demand for mobility, intercity transport options continue to evolve. PT Rimba Raya Putra, through its Rimba Raya Premium service, has introduced an electric vehicle (EV) shuttle connecting Semarang and Kudus.
This service provides an additional travel alternative for residents and tourists, reducing reliance on private vehicles. Its introduction highlights how the transportation sector is responding to the surge in sporting and tourism activities in Kudus.
Rimba Raya is no newcomer to the Central Java transportation sector. Based in Jepara, the company has operated since 1989, starting with a fleet of 10 intercity buses serving the Jepara–Semarang and Jepara–Pati routes.
As travel demand grew, PT Rimba Raya Putra expanded into tourist bus services in 2012. On March 6, 2019, the company further expanded by launching Rimba Raya Premium, covering travel, shuttle services, and package delivery. Rimba Raya Premium currently operates over 50 Toyota Hiace units, with a network spanning several regions across Java.
The latest phase of development focuses on electric vehicle-based services via e-Shuttle, with Kudus serving as one of the primary serviced cities.
Jl. Kepodang Gg. III Blok E, Magersari, Panjunan, Kec. Kota Kudus, Kabupaten Kudus, Jawa Tengah 59317, Indonesia
PT Rimba Raya Putra Director Muhammad Rizky Alamsyah noted that Kudus’s ongoing development and the rising number of local events were key factors in the company’s decision to expand its transportation services.
"We see the potential in Kudus, observing its growing development and the increasing number of events held in the city," Rizky said.
He noted that travel demand in Kudus stems not only from workers and students but also from tourists and visitors attending various events.
This surge in mobility has prompted the company to increase its service capacity. Specifically for the e-Shuttle, the fleet has grown from two units to seven.
Expanding the fleet is a key response to the increasingly diverse demands for intercity travel, particularly when Kudus hosts events that draw visitors from outside the region.
Accessible intercity transport is essential for supporting tourism infrastructure. For visitors arriving from outside Central Java, reaching Kudus typically involves flying into Semarang before continuing the journey via ground transportation.
This connection is equally vital for outbound travel, particularly for tourists and event participants returning home through Ahmad Yani International Airport.
Rimba Raya Premium is among the operators offering these services. The company's network links Jepara, Tayu, Pati, and Kudus to major cities, including Semarang, Yogyakarta, and Surakarta.
Furthermore, the company provides routes connecting Jepara to Cirebon, Purwokerto, and Cilacap.
Rizky noted that the company has established direct departures from Kudus to three primary destinations.
“We currently offer service on the Kudus–Semarang, Kudus–Yogyakarta, and Kudus–Solo routes,” he said.
On select routes, passengers benefit from direct transit, eliminating the need to transfer vehicles.
“For travel outside of Semarang, our routes are direct, so there is no need for transits or switching vehicles,” Rizky explained.
The availability of direct routes is a significant factor for travelers carrying gear or adhering to strict schedules.
For athletes and officials, transport arrangements must align with arrival times, competition schedules, and departures. For tourists, these intercity options allow for easy integration of Kudus into a broader Central Java itinerary.
Among the services developed by Rimba Raya Premium, e-Shuttle offers a distinct approach through the use of electric vehicles for intercity travel.
The service launched in 2025, operating round-trip routes between Semarang and Kudus. According to the company, the e-Shuttle is an electric-based transport initiative designed to promote mobility while reducing operational emissions compared to fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
The adoption of electric vehicles is also part of the company's commitment to developing more efficient transportation alternatives.
According to Rizky, the service was officially inaugurated by the Governor of Central Java in August 2026.
"The e-Shuttle is the first (electric) shuttle in Central Java, inaugurated by the Governor of Central Java in August 2026," said Rizky.
The company operates the e-Shuttle service daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. WIB. Reservations can be made online via the app, website, or the company's WhatsApp number.
This service provides a convenient option for travelers commuting from Semarang to Kudus, including those arriving by air.
Conversely, for sports tourists returning through Ahmad Yani International Airport, the Kudus–Semarang connection can be integrated into their travel plans. Passengers are advised to confirm drop-off locations and the availability of onward transportation to the airport.
In addition to reducing reliance on private vehicles, the scheduled shuttle service allows visitors to plan their travel according to their specific needs. This is particularly relevant for those coordinating their visits with scheduled matches or sporting events.
Intercity travel requirements involve not only route availability but also comfort throughout the journey.
For its conventional travel services, Rimba Raya Premium operates Toyota Hiace Commuter and Premio models with various seating configurations.
According to company information, passengers can choose from configurations featuring eight captain seats, or standard seating options ranging from 10 to 14 passengers, depending on the fleet type.
The eight-seat configuration provides more spacious seating. The seats are equipped with armrests and leg rests to support passengers during the trip.
"For our own fleet, we use captain seats, with an eight-seat configuration," explained Rizky.
Certain vehicles also offer USB ports for device charging, mineral water, and snacks, particularly on long-distance routes.
These amenities are a key consideration for intercity travelers, including tourists and athletes who require comfort after a busy schedule.
However, these standard travel amenities do not automatically apply to the electric e-Shuttle fleet. Passengers are advised to verify vehicle types, seating configurations, and available facilities before booking.
The growth of sports tourism in Kudus is not only evident in the increasing number of sporting events being held. This activity also impacts supporting sectors, including the transportation services connecting Kudus to other cities.
As athletes, officials, staff, and spectators arrive from outside the region, travel demand increases. This is a trend recognized by transport providers, especially during major events.
Rizky acknowledged that sports events in Kudus have significantly impacted booking rates for Rimba Raya.
"Events in Kudus have a major impact on our schedules," he noted.
"Our trips are more frequently fully booked," Rizky added.
This increase in activity has also been noted by Munawirul Huza, a Rimba Raya Premium e-Shuttle driver who serves passengers daily.
Huza stated that he began seeing a rise in service users following the sports events held in Kudus in August 2026.
“Since the sporting events held last August, e-Shuttle passenger numbers have increased,” said Huza.
For Huza, the growing number of people using intercity transportation is a positive trend he hopes will continue.
His job as a driver provides the income necessary to support his family; therefore, the development of transport services is crucial to the sustainability of his livelihood.
“I hope that the e-Shuttle will continue to grow in the future,” he said.
Huza’s experience illustrates the impact sporting activities have on the community beyond the arena. Increased visitor mobility creates opportunities for transportation providers while supporting the economic activity of workers in the sector.
This impact is part of a broader sports tourism economic chain. Beyond the accommodation and culinary sectors, travel services play a key role in supporting visitor needs while they are in Kudus.
For tourists visiting Kudus for the first time, convenient access to transportation information is a key part of travel planning.
Rimba Raya offers multiple booking channels, including an application, a website, and a corporate WhatsApp account. Information regarding routes, schedules, and service options is available through these channels.
Service information for the e-Shuttle is available at eshuttlerimbaraya.com, while Rimba Raya Premium services can be accessed via rimbarayatravel.co.id.
For travel inquiries, the company has provided the phone number 0823 1414 1112 and the email address rimbarayatravel@gmail.com.
Prospective passengers are advised to verify departure schedules, pickup and drop-off points, and luggage policies before booking. This is particularly important for visitors carrying sports equipment or those needing to coordinate their travel with flight connections.
The availability of intercity transport services is a key component of Kudus’s preparedness to host sports tourism. As the number of events grows, visitor requirements extend beyond match facilities to include accessibility, accommodation, and mobility.
Travel options connecting Kudus to Semarang, including the electric e-Shuttle fleet, further bolster these support services.
For tourists, an increasing variety of transport options facilitates trip planning. Meanwhile, for business owners and transport workers, the rise in mobility presents economic opportunities driven by the growth of sports tourism in Kudus. (REDAKSIMKK)
