Its predecessor, the JS950 Argobromo, made the Jakarta–Surabaya run in about nine hours and was inaugurated on 31 July 1995 by the President of Indonesia, Suharto, ahead of the 50th anniversary of Indonesian Independence in 17 August (hence the "JS950", for "Jakarta–Surabaya in nine hours, launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's independence"). The success of the service led to the introduction of "Argo Bromo Anggrek" service which commenced on 24 September 1997.