KAI focuses on managing 1,810 unmanned railway crossings

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), known as KAI Group, is focusing its efforts on managing 1,810 unmanned Direct Level Crossings (JPL) as part of an initiative to strengthen railway travel safety.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, explained in Jakarta on Friday that according to the latest data, there are 3,674 level crossings in total. Of this number, 1,864 crossings are manned, while 907 crossings are registered but currently lack attendants, and another 903 crossings are both unregistered and unmanned.

“The total area we are focusing on for management right now is the 1,810 JPL that we must address. Some of these must be closed, while for others, we are preparing attendants and necessary equipment,” said Anne.

She explained that out of the 1,810 crossings targeted for management, 172 level crossings have successfully been closed. Meanwhile, following verification, another 1,404 crossings are still in the process of being managed, which includes the preparation of safety personnel and supporting safety facilities.

According to Anne, managing level crossings presents a challenge as it requires synergy with various parties, particularly local and central governments. Such collaboration is necessary to ensure that regulations regarding safety at level crossings can be implemented more optimally.

“Sometimes, when we close one, three more appear. It is essential that we coordinate with local governments and both regional and central authorities to ensure that regulations are strengthened and that sanctions can be more strictly enforced, as this concerns public safety,” she said.

Anne emphasised that KAI continues to evaluate all level crossings that do not meet safety requirements. Crossings that cannot be manned or equipped with safety facilities will be closed.

“This year, we have closed 172 JPL, and we hope that these 172 closures do not result in new ones emerging. This is a very difficult task, but we are continuing our efforts in socialisation and education,” Anne concluded.