Ijen Express Train Delayed Following Collision with Car in Jember
The journey of the Ijen Express (KA 239F) on the Malang–Ketapang route was delayed following a collision with a white car, registration number P 1236 HY, at the Tanggul – Bangsalsari section, specifically at KM 173+060, at approximately 12:05 WIB on Thursday.
The collision resulted in the death of the car driver, identified as Yusril Nur Ibnu (21), while being transported to the Bangsalsari Health Centre in Jember Regency, East Java. Cahyo Widiantoro, Manager of Law and Public Relations for Daop 9 Jember, confirmed the incident occurred at the specified location and time.
According to field reports, the incident began when the white car was travelling from the south. It is suspected that the driver failed to obey traffic signs, stopping only briefly to look left and right before attempting to cross the level crossing. The driver of the Ijen Express had repeatedly sounded the ‘Semboyan 35’ warning signal, but due to the close proximity, the collision became unavoidable.
Following the incident, the Ijen Express was forced to make an unscheduled stop for inspections. After the rolling stock was deemed safe at 12:19 WIB, the train resumed its journey. All railway staff and passengers were reported safe.
Cahyo noted that the Ijen Express was delayed by 46 minutes and sustained damage to the locomotive’s fog lights; however, train services on that line have since returned to normal and remain safe. He expressed deep condolences regarding the incident and urged the public to always prioritise safety when crossing level crossings.
He explained that safety is a shared responsibility, and PT KAI Daop 9 Jember is encouraging all relevant stakeholders to work together to mitigate risks at level crossings to prevent recurrence. KAI urged all road users, particularly those using level crossings, to increase vigilance and ensure the tracks are clear before proceeding.
Road users are required to stop briefly, observe traffic signs, and listen to the surrounding environment to ensure no trains are approaching. KAI Daop 9 Jember also reminded the public of the legal regulations regarding level crossings. Under Law Number 23 of 2007 on Railways, Article 124, road users at level crossings between railway tracks and roads must give priority to trains.
Furthermore, Law Number 22 of 2009 on Traffic and Road Transport, Article 114, stipulates that at level crossings, drivers must stop when signals sound, gates begin to close, or other signals are present, giving priority to trains and vehicles that have entered the crossing first.
“We strongly urge the public not to be negligent when crossing level crossings. Always stop briefly when approaching a crossing. Do not risk lives simply because of haste,” he stated, noting that trains cannot stop suddenly and require long braking distances, making driver discipline essential to preventing such tragedies.