KAI Daop 8 Surabaya Again Closes Four Illegal Level Crossings
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Daerah Operasi 8 Surabaya has again closed four illegal level crossings scattered across several areas in East Java. The closures are permanent.
‘Safety is the top priority in railway operations. Closing illegal and dangerous level crossings is aimed at minimising the risk of accidents, both for railway services and road users,’ said Mahendro Trang Bawono, Public Relations Manager for KAI Daop 8 Surabaya, in Surabaya on Wednesday, 20 May.
The closures apply to the illegal crossing at KM 119+223 on the Kalitidu–Bojonegoro line section in Dusun Sale, Sukoharjo Village, Kalitidu District, Bojonegoro Regency. In addition, KAI Daop 8 Surabaya closed three other level crossings in Sidoarjo Regency: JPL 76 and JPL 78 on the Porong–Tanggulangin line section, Porong District, and JPL 24 at KM 40+774 on the Tulangan–Tarik line section in Dusun Pandokan, Kedungsugo Village, Prambon District.
He said the move is part of KAI’s ongoing effort to create rail operations that are safe, secure, reliable, and free from potential disruptions at level crossings. Mahendro stressed that illegal crossings or those not meeting safety standards pose a high risk of accidents and service disruption, hence the closures as a preventive measure to protect safety for all parties.
‘This closure is not merely about cutting off access; it is a concrete step to save lives. Every train journey carries a heavy responsibility for the safety of passengers, staff and the public. Therefore, the support of all elements of society is essential so that the closed illegal crossings are not reopened,’ he added.
The closures were implemented by installing gates/portals and were conducted in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Transportation Office, village officials, and railfan communities. This cross-sector synergy represents a tangible form of collaboration to foster a culture of safety in the rail environment.
As of mid-May 2026, KAI Daop 8 Surabaya had closed 14 level crossings. Since 2020 to 2026, KAI Daop 8 Surabaya, together with local governments, has closed a total of 144 illegal and unsafe level crossings that were deemed to endanger railway travel or road user safety.
Details show 20 crossings in 2020, 16 in 2021, 28 in 2022, 18 in 2023, 15 in 2024, 33 in 2025, and 14 in 2026. By May 2026, there were 435 level crossings within KAI Daop 8 Surabaya’s operational area. Of these, 130 were maintained by KAI, 140 by local governments, 60 by external parties, 87 were unguarded, and 18 remained illegal.
Through the closure of the illegal crossings at KM 119+223 on the Kalitidu–Bojonegoro line, JPL 76 and JPL 78 on the Porong–Tanggulangin line, and JPL No. 24 at KM 40+774 on the Tulangan–Tarik line, KAI Daop 8 Surabaya hopes railway and road user safety at level crossings will continue to improve, while supporting safe, orderly and sustainable rail transport.