1,903 Unguarded Level Crossings, Ministry of Transportation Accelerates Regulation

JAKARTA - Following a fatal accident that claimed lives in East Bekasi a few days ago, the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) together with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) will finally accelerate the regulation of level crossings at all points. This step is also a follow-up to President Prabowo Subianto’s instructions a few days ago, as well as an effort to improve rail travel safety. “As per the President’s directive, we will carry out regulation at level crossings. We will expedite it by setting priorities,” said Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi in his official statement on Thursday (30/4/2026). The enhancement of safety facilities and infrastructure at road crossings will involve various relevant parties such as local governments, the Directorate General of Highway Development, and PT KAI. Regulation will be carried out, among others, through the closure of level crossings, the construction of overpasses or underpasses, the installation of crossing gates, or the provision of guards and level crossing equipment. Dudy explained that the government has determined priority points for improving safety at level crossings. There are 10 short-term priority locations and 50 medium-term priority locations. In terms of criteria, the determination of priority points is based on several benchmarks, namely: In addition, Dudy urged the public not to create crossings without permission and not to reopen illegal crossings that have been closed by KAI. This is because self-made illegal crossings can obstruct the visibility of train drivers. This differs from officially built crossings that meet security and safety requirements. “We also urge the public to continue to obey the signs at railway crossings by not forcing through closed gates,” he said.