KAI Daop 2 Confirms Train Travel Safe After 4.9 Magnitude Earthquake in Sukabumi

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Operational Area (Daop) 2 Bandung has confirmed that all train operations in its region remain safe after a 4.9 magnitude earthquake shook Sukabumi Regency, West Java, on Sunday evening (19/7). Daop 2 Bandung Public Relations Manager Kuswardojo stressed that the safety of passengers and train crew is the company’s top priority, especially when facing natural disasters. According to data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake’s epicentre was 83 kilometres south of Sukabumi Regency at a depth of 23 kilometres. The tremors were felt quite strongly in the Daop 2 operational area, particularly on the Cibeber–Gandasoli line. “At the time of the incident, the Siliwangi train (343) on the Cipatat–Sukabumi route was entering Cibeber Station, Cianjur. In accordance with safety procedures, the train’s journey was not immediately continued so that infrastructure inspections could be carried out,” said Kuswardojo. Immediately after the tremors were felt, KAI Daop 2 Bandung officers conducted an in-depth inspection of all infrastructure components on the affected line. The inspection covered the condition of the rail tracks and sleepers, the stability of bridges and tunnels, and other supporting operational facilities. After the thorough inspection was completed, KAI stated that no damage or disruption was found to the infrastructure on the Cibeber–Gandasoli line. The line was declared fit and safe to be traversed again by train sets. As a result of the safety inspection procedure, the Siliwangi train was temporarily held at Cibeber Station. The train was dispatched again towards Sukabumi Station after the line was confirmed safe, with a recorded delay of 19 minutes from the original schedule. Kuswardojo added that KAI has strict standard operating procedures for emergency response in the event of an earthquake. “KAI will temporarily halt train journeys on the affected line for inspection by infrastructure officers as a precautionary measure to ensure operational safety,” he concluded.