KAI Divre II West Sumatra warns of dangers of activities on railway tracks
Padang (ANTARA) - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Divre II West Sumatra has warned of the dangers of activities on railway tracks following an incident where an unidentified person was struck by the KA Barang 2921 freight train at KM 12+900 on the Pauhlima-Indarung station section in Padang city.
Head of Public Relations for PT KAI Divre II West Sumatra, Reza Shahab, in Padang on Thursday (26/3), stated that the area falls under the Railway Track Benefit Area (Rumaja) and Railway Track Ownership Area (Rumija), which are designated solely for train operations, and the public is prohibited from conducting any activities there.
According to the driver’s account, before the incident, the KA Barang 2921 driver spotted an unidentified person (OTK) lying on the tracks. The driver repeatedly sounded warning signal 35 (horn) as an alert. However, the individual did not move away from the tracks, making the accident unavoidable.
Reza explained that train operations are protected under Law No. 23 of 2007 on Railways. Specifically, Article 181 paragraph (1) states that every person is prohibited from being in the railway track benefit area; dragging, moving, placing, or shifting goods on the tracks or crossing the railway line; or using the railway track for purposes other than train transport.
Reza noted that this provision does not apply to railway sector personnel who possess a duty letter from the Railway Infrastructure Provider.
Under Article 181 paragraph (2), such duty letters include identification cards or badges.
“Violations of the Railways Law Article 181 paragraph (1) are punishable by imprisonment of up to three (3) months or a maximum fine of Rp15,000,000 (fifteen million rupiah),” Reza emphasised.
PT KAI Divre II West Sumatra urges the public to participate in safeguarding train travel safety. We also ask the community to reprimand or remind anyone playing or engaging in activities on the railway tracks.
“Safety and security of train travel can only be achieved through cooperation among various parties, including communities near the railway tracks. PT KAI Divre II West Sumatra actively collaborates with district/city governments, local authorities, and train enthusiast communities (Railfans) to conduct safety socialisation in the Divre II West Sumatra region,” he said.
Additionally, KAI continues to educate the public, including students in schools near the tracks, to avoid dangerous activities around the railway lines and not to dismantle security fences along the KA tracks.
“We greatly appreciate all members of the public who have contributed to maintaining the safety and security of train travel as a public transportation mode. If the public becomes aware of any suspicious activities or potential hazards near the tracks, please report them immediately to staff at the nearest station or via the Contact Center 121 (021) 121,” he added.