KAI confirms train services safe after M4.9 Sukabumi earthquake

KAI Operation Area 2 Bandung public relations manager Kuswardojo said on Sunday that the safety of train operations remains the company’s top priority under all circumstances, including during natural disasters.

According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake was centered 83 kilometers south of Sukabumi District, West Java, at coordinates 7.73 degrees south latitude and 106.53 degrees east longitude, with a depth of 23 kilometers.

“The earthquake was felt along the Cibeber-Gandasoli railway section. At the time, the Siliwangi train (343) serving the Cipatat-Sukabumi route was entering Cibeber Station in Cianjur,” Kuswardojo explained.

The Siliwangi train arrived at Cibeber Station on schedule when the earthquake occurred. As part of safety procedures, the train did not immediately resume its journey.

KAI personnel immediately carried out a thorough inspection of railway infrastructure along the affected section, including tracks, bridges, tunnels, and other operational facilities, to ensure they were safe and fit for service.

After confirming there was no damage or disruption to the infrastructure, the Siliwangi train resumed its journey from Cibeber Station to Sukabumi Station, although it departed 19 minutes behind schedule.

The inspection was conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures as a precaution before train services resumed.

“Whenever an earthquake has the potential to affect railway tracks, KAI will immediately implement emergency response procedures by temporarily halting train services on the affected section so that infrastructure personnel can carry out inspections,” Kuswardojo stated.

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Translator: Ahmad, Kenzu