KAI Closes 119 Priority Level Crossings, Targets 172 by 2026 to Boost Safety

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) President Director Bobby Rasyidin announced that the company has closed 119 priority level crossings as part of a national programme to improve railway safety, with 490 illegal crossings also currently being managed. The closures, achieved as of 4 June 2026, represent progress towards the target of shutting 172 priority crossings this year.

Rasyidin stated that enhancing safety at level crossings remains a primary focus for KAI, noting that while a train may pass a crossing in seconds, it is a critical point where railway and road user safety intersect. He warned that weakened traffic discipline or inadequate safety facilities can lead to accidents in a very short time.

Data from KAI recorded 119 accidents at level crossings from January to 4 June 2026, resulting in 97 casualties, including 43 fatalities. Over half of these incidents occurred at crossings without barriers, and 87 per cent were caused by road users attempting to cross as a train approached. Longer-term data from 2022 to 2025 shows 1,244 accidents, 73 per cent of which were at unguarded crossings, leading to 1,152 casualties.

Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba explained that the closure programme is based on comprehensive safety assessments evaluating risk levels, train frequency, environmental conditions, and potential community impact. She noted that the 69 per cent completion rate of priority closures reflects stronger collaboration between KAI, central and regional governments, local authorities, and communities.

Beyond closures, KAI has conducted 6,259 safety socialisation activities, closed 1,024 illegal and high-risk crossings, and installed 2,646 warning banners since 2022. The company is continuing work to close the remaining 53 priority crossings to meet the 2026 target, while simultaneously strengthening safety facilities at active locations to reduce accident risks for both train passengers and road users.