KAI accelerates upgrades to 20 level crossings in Malang to prevent accidents

Malang, East Java - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Operation 8 Surabaya is accelerating the management of 20 level crossings in Malang City and Malang Regency, East Java, by 2026 to prevent accidents involving trains and road users.

PT KAI Operation 8 Surabaya PR Manager Mahendro Trang Bawono in Malang, East Java, said the improvements target both technical infrastructure and non-technical aspects such as human resource quality, operational oversight, and ongoing public education.

“Level crossings are where train travel and public mobility intersect, so handling them requires swift, measured, and integrated measures to ensure the safety of both train operations and the public,” Mahendro stated.

According to KAI Surabaya data, the 20 level crossings include 13 in Malang Regency and seven in Malang City.

Efforts to accelerate the management involve stakeholders from both regions.

Overall, by May 2026, there will be 62 level crossings in the Malang Raya area, with 59 currently monitored and three unmonitored.

Of the 59 monitored crossings, KAI Surabaya manages 34 (58%), the East Java Provincial Transport Department and local governments oversee two (3%), and 23 (39%) are self-managed by the community.

However, he acknowledged that road user safety and train operations still depend on public discipline at level crossings.

“We urge the public to remain disciplined and comply with regulations at level crossings: do not cross when barriers are down, pause briefly, check both ways, and ensure safety before proceeding,” he added.