KAI Accelerates Closure and Narrowing of Illegal Crossings for Collective Safety

The incident in East Bekasi, which claimed numerous lives, serves as a stark reminder that safety at level crossings demands collective attention and care. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), alongside the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation, local governments, territorial authorities, and various stakeholders, continues to accelerate the handling of illegal crossings and those posing high risks to public safety.

From 27 April to 9 May 2026, 24 crossings were closed and access narrowed at five others in various regions. These measures aim to reduce accident potential and enhance safety for the public traversing near rail lines.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, stated that addressing crossings is a crucial part of joint efforts to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

“The East Bekasi incident has brought profound sorrow to many parties. Safety at crossings is a serious concern because trains have long braking distances and cannot stop abruptly if there is an obstruction on the tracks,” said Anne.

In the Jakarta and surrounding areas, handling was carried out at several illegal and unguarded crossings, including KM 58+5/6 on the Tigaraksa–Cikoya line in Banten Province, KM 42+3/4 on the Parung Panjang–Cilejit line in West Java Province, and KM 58+3/4 on the Sukabumi–Gandasoli line in West Java Province. Closures were also implemented at JPL 152 KM 56+202 between Tenjo–Tigaraksa, JPL 143 KM 53+285 between Daru–Tenjo, JPL 132 KM 49+178 between Cilejit–Daru, JPL 187 KM 81+346 between Rangkas Bitung–Jambu Baru, JPL 176 KM 73+438 between Citeras–Rangkas Bitung, and JPL 168 KM 64+526 between Maja–Citeras.

In West Java, narrowing was conducted at an unguarded JPL at KM 187+225 on the Cicalengka–Nagreg line, and closure at an unguarded JPL at KM 71+805 on the Cireungas–Lampegan line. Pedestrian access closure was also carried out at KM 325+3/4 at Patuguran Station platform, Winduaji Village, Paguyangan District, Brebes Regency.

In the Yogyakarta and Solo Raya regions, closures were made at five crossing points: on the Puwosari–Wonogiri line at KM 6+2/3, KM 17+7/8, KM 17+8/9 in Sukoharjo, on the Brambanan–Yogyakarta line at KM 525+3/4 in Sentolo, and on the Wates–Rewulu line at KM 528+718 in Bantul.

Meanwhile, in the Madiun, Blitar, and Jombang regions, closures were conducted at five crossing points: KM 214+5/6 in Kutorejo Village, Nganjuk Regency; KM 191+7 in Gampengrejo Village; JPL 206 KM 127+9/0 in Biluk, Blitar Regency; JPL 203 KM 125+8/9 in Sanankulon, Blitar Regency; and JPL 209 KM 130+3/4 in Kandangan, Blitar Regency. Narrowing was also done at JPL 245 KM 154+5/6 in Plosokandang Village and JPL 76 KM 86+1/2 in Jatipelem, Jombang Regency.

In eastern East Java, illegal crossing closures were carried out at KM 95+7/8 between Bayeman–Probolinggo, KM 158+2/3 between Jatiroto–Tanggul, and KM 34+4/5 between Mrawan–Kalibaru. Access narrowing and track normalisation were also implemented at KM 55+7/8 between Kalisetail–Temuguruh and KM 197+9/0 between Jember–Arjasa.

In North Sumatra, handling was conducted at an unguarded crossing at KM 172+100 on the Tanjung Balai–Kisaran line in Asahan Regency.

In West Sumatra, closures were made at three crossing points: KM 4+400 on the BKP–IMA line in Kampung Jua Nan XX, Padang City; KM 12+600 on the IMA–IDA line in Limau Manis Selatan, Padang City; and KM 38+9/0 on the DUK–LA line in Lubuk Alung, Padang Pariaman Regency.

In South Sumatra, closure was carried out at an unguarded illegal crossing at KM 322+7/8 at Prabumulih Station platform.

Currently, there are 3,674 level crossings in Indonesia, with 1,810 points targeted for handling. Of these, 172 crossings are slated for closure due to limited road conditions, while the remaining 1,638 require gradual safety facility improvements.

Safety evaluation data indicates that from 2023 to 2026, there were 948 victims from accidents at level crossings, with about 80 percent occurring at unguarded crossings. This situation forms the basis for accelerating joint handling with various parties to continuously reduce accident risks.

In addition to closures and narrowing of crossings, KAI and DJKA under the Ministry of Transportation continue various other safety enhancement efforts, such as mapping crossings, coordinating with local governments, public safety education, and developing gradual safety facility improvements at priority points.

Anne called on the public to support safety efforts by exercising discipline when crossing level crossings and not reopening closed illegal accesses for collective safety.

“We invite the entire community to jointly safeguard safety around rail lines. Closed illegal crossings are hoped not to be reopened because closures are based on safety evaluations and risk potential,” Anne concluded.