House Commission V Calls for Comprehensive Evaluation of KAI Level Crossings
House Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has requested that the Ministry of Transportation and PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) carry out a comprehensive evaluation of all railway level crossings in Indonesia to enhance safety for road users and train journeys.
Danang Wicaksana Sulistya, Head of the Commission V Faction Group from the Gerindra Party, stated that the initial step required is an inventory of all level crossing points to ascertain actual field conditions and the risk level of each location. He said the inventory results must form the basis for drafting long-term policy regarding the handling of level crossings across various regions.
He assessed that for crossings with high traffic density and accident risk, the government could consider constructing infrastructure such as flyovers or underpasses to eliminate potential conflicts between train journeys and road users. Meanwhile, for crossings still using the at-grade system, Danang requested various improvement measures, including an evaluation of the elevation condition of the rails and road surface so as not to endanger road users, particularly motorcyclists.
“One thing that needs attention is the elevation condition of the railway tracks relative to the road surface. Do not let a height difference that is too large endanger road users, especially two-wheeled vehicles. Crossings must be designed to remain safe and comfortable for the public to traverse,” he said. He requested an evaluation of the completeness of signage, early warning systems, crossing gates, lighting, and the sight distance for motorists approaching the railway line.
According to Danang, safety must be the top priority in managing railway crossings, necessitating synergy between the central government, regional governments, the Ministry of Transportation, PT KAI, and other stakeholders. “The ultimate goal is to create crossings that are safer, more comfortable, and capable of minimising accident risk. This evaluation must be carried out comprehensively and continuously as part of efforts to improve national transportation safety,” he said.
The call aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction to regulate level crossings following a train accident incident in East Bekasi. Following up on this directive, the Ministry of Transportation and PT KAI have committed to accelerating the regulation of level crossings in various areas to improve train journey safety. House Commission V also inspected the condition of level crossings during a working visit to Bogor Station on Friday, as part of oversight efforts regarding railway transportation safety aspects.