Illegal Crossings Must Be Closed Immediately to Ensure Collective Safety
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) emphasises that safety at level crossings is a serious concern requiring consistent handling. The existence of illegal crossings at various points poses significant risks due to inadequate safeguards and their location outside official regulations, thereby increasingly limiting the safe space between train operations and public activities.
KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin stated that every crossing must be in a condition meeting safety standards to ensure protection for the public and train journeys.
“Every crossing point has safety implications. For locations not meeting requirements, handling is carried out jointly with the government through applicable mechanisms, including closures. This step is taken to safeguard public safety and train operations,” said Bobby.
He added that organising crossings is part of safety maintenance efforts requiring involvement from various parties, both in terms of regulations, infrastructure, and on-site behaviour.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba explained that there are currently 3,888 level crossings in Java and Sumatra, of which 1,089 are illegal crossings, thus requiring joint attention in their management.
“This data shows that crossing spaces still have risk levels that need to be managed consistently. Closing illegal crossings is part of the organisation to ensure interactions between train journeys and road traffic occur more safely,” Anne clarified.
From 2017 to April 2026, KAI together with stakeholders has closed 2,220 illegal crossings as part of risk control measures at vulnerable points. This effort aims to create more managed safe spaces and reduce accident potentials at crossings.
This step is directed to limit crossing spaces that do not meet safety standards and guide the public to safer crossing points.
KAI, along with the Ministry of Transportation and local governments, has also addressed 564 crossing points through closures or upgrades to non-level crossings, such as building flyovers and underpasses. These efforts continue in line with field needs.
In the period from 2024 to April 2026, KAI is strengthening safety measures through 4,988 socialisation activities at crossings, 687 educations in schools and places of worship, and 1,745 installations of warning media at various locations.
This approach is aimed at building collective awareness that safety at crossings is closely linked to a culture of traffic discipline.
Anne added that safety practices in various countries show that public discipline is a key factor in reducing accident risks. The habit of stopping, looking left and right, and waiting until it is truly safe before crossing becomes part of daily behaviour that needs to be maintained consistently.
“Trains serve hundreds to thousands of passengers per journey and require long braking distances. In certain conditions, trains cannot stop suddenly. Therefore, discipline when crossing at level crossings is very important. When this habit is practised collectively, safety can be better maintained,” she said.
KAI invites all parties to maintain order at crossings as part of collective safety. Crossings that have been organised and closed are part of efforts to protect the public.
“Maintaining the orderly condition of crossings is important. Every risk that arises at crossings can have broad impacts on road users, families, and the surrounding environment,” Anne concluded.