Around a decade ago, we witnessed a fundamental change in Indonesia\u2019s\nrailway world. The practice of passengers riding on train roofs is no\nlonger seen, accident rates have significantly decreased with the\nconstruction of double and quadruple tracks, and the implementation of\nelectric signalling systems. Modernisation of ticketing systems and\nvarious other innovations have further strengthened this transformation.\nIn my book Revolution of Transportation (2014), I referred to this\nphenomenon as \u201cRailvolution\u201d, an important phase in the advancement of\nIndonesia\u2019s railways.<\/p>\n
The accident between the KA Argo Bromo Anggrek and KRL in Bekasi\nTimur on Monday, 27 April 2026, serves as a reminder that amid\nadvancements in transportation technology, there are still urgent tasks\nat hand. This incident shows that increasingly modern systems still\nrequire ongoing evaluation, particularly in ensuring the integration and\nreliability of all components.<\/p>\n
Global experiences indicate that train accidents are generally not\ncaused by a single factor, but rather a combination of several aspects.\nHuman factors often become the main contributors, including compliance\nwith procedures, levels of fatigue, and consistency in operational\ndecision-making. On the other hand, external factors such as level\ncrossings and interactions with the community also pose non-trivial\nchallenges.<\/p>\n
In addition, infrastructure and facility aspects require continuous\nattention. The condition of rails, electrical systems, and fleet\nreadiness must always be at optimal standards through consistent,\ndata-based maintenance. This is important to ensure that capacity\nincreases are accompanied by improvements in system reliability.<\/p>\n
Various countries have developed different approaches to improving\nsafety. Japan, for example, emphasises precision technology and AI-based\nfail-safe systems. On the commuter line (Yamanote Line), Japan\nintegrates cameras and artificial intelligence to monitor pantographs in\nreal-time. Such measures can significantly reduce the time for accurate\nproblem detection. Additionally, Japan uses drone fleets for track\ninspections to make them faster and more accurate.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, India takes a more pragmatic approach, focusing on\nmanaging human interactions with railway lines through fencing and\nbuilding safer crossing facilities. Physical separation and human\nbehaviour become the main focus of the safety approach. Trespassing\nphenomena become the greatest threat faced.<\/p>\n
India has conducted a massive national fencing campaign covering more\nthan 16,000 km. These efforts are also combined with the construction of\nunderground pedestrian crossings to make them more pedestrian-friendly.\nAnother unique strategy taken is applying industrial lubricant (grease)\nto fences to prevent people from climbing.<\/p>\n
Both approaches in these two different countries show that safety\nsolutions need to be tailored to the socio-cultural characteristics of\nthe community, utilising appropriate AI-based technology that remains\nhumane.<\/p>\n
In the Indonesian context, it is important to view the railway system\nholistically through three main dimensions: hardware, software, and\nbrainware. In the hardware aspect, guarantees are needed that physical\ninfrastructure and supporting systems meet high safety standards. In the\nsoftware aspect, integration of control systems, real-time monitoring,\nand early detection capabilities become very crucial. Meanwhile, in the\nbrainware aspect, strengthening competencies, discipline, and a safety\nculture throughout the organisation become the main foundation.<\/p>\n
These three aspects are interconnected and cannot be separated.\nTherefore, an integrative and systemic approach becomes the key to\nstrengthening the overall system. The efforts that have been made so far\nare important steps, and going forward, they need to be continuously\nrefined to address increasingly complex challenges.<\/p>\n
The government\u2019s plan to expand the railway network to various\nislands outside Java is a strategic step that deserves appreciation.\nRail-based transportation development has great potential in supporting\nnational logistics efficiency and strengthening intermodal connectivity.\nIntegration between road, rail, sea, and air transportation becomes an\nimportant agenda in realising a more efficient and sustainable\nintermodal transportation system.<\/p>\n
Therefore, in terms of governance, there needs to be a clear and firm\ndivision of tasks regarding duties and responsibilities between\nregulators and operators. PT Kereta Api Indonesia as the main operator\nis expected to continue its transformation towards a smart, humane\ntechnology-based company. Strengthening digitalisation, data\nutilisation, and improving human resource capacity will be determining\nfactors for future success.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, the role of the Ministry of Transportation as a\nregulator is very strategic. Strengthening safety standards, improving\ntechnically based supervision quality, and cross-sector coordination\nwith ministries and local governments become important parts. This is a\nmain element to ensure overall system safety and reliability, including\nthe elimination of level crossings.<\/p>\n
Going forward, Railvolution can be interpreted as an ongoing process\nthat requires an adaptive roadmap to developments in the times. An\napproach prioritising the \u201cSDG\u201d strategy\u2014Sustainable, Digitalise, and\nGovernance\u2014becomes relevant in the current context and to address future\nchallenges.<\/p>\n
Strengthening humane technology, good governance, and involvement of\nall stakeholders will be the key to realising an increasingly reliable,\nsafe, and efficient Indonesian railway system.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-bekasi-timur-train-tragedy-railvolution-and-the-sdg-strategy-1777531946", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }