Automatic Railway Level Crossing Barrier in Petamburan Damaged by Motorcycle Just One Month After Installation
Jakarta — An automatic railway level crossing barrier on Jalan Administrasi, Petamburan, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta has been damaged after being struck by a motorcycle.
According to observations by Kompas.com at the location on Tuesday (17 March 2026), the at-grade railway crossing in front of Rusun Petamburan is situated on a narrow residential street. Two barriers are installed on each side of the road, facing both the direction towards Tanah Abang and Karet.
The damage has caused the automatic barrier pole to bend upwards and become unable to lower fully to close the road. The barrier pole now leans against overhead utility cables.
Despite being equipped with warning signs and red lights, the absence of a functioning barrier has resulted in motorcyclists gathering and waiting dangerously close to the tracks when Commuter Line trains pass through. Two level crossing attendants are stationed on the tracks to manage vehicle traffic when trains arrive.
Syukron (42), a local resident, revealed that the automatic barrier was newly installed by the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) and PT KAI in February 2026. “Yes, this was just recently installed. Before this, there was no barrier at this crossing. There was one, but it was a manual barrier—made of wood that the crossing attendants would drag,” he explained when met by Kompas.com at the location on Tuesday.
The automatic barrier has been operational for approximately one month, having been installed around the start of the Islamic fasting month this year.
Since its initial installation, residents have expressed doubts about the barrier’s durability due to its relatively small materials and dimensions. “We were confused about whether this barrier was sturdy because it’s not like the typical large automatic railway barriers. It looks more like a residential complex barrier—small,” Syukron said.
The residents’ concerns proved justified. Last week, the barrier was discovered damaged and unable to close the road.