KAI Palembang Intensifies Safety Awareness to Reduce Accidents
Palembang, South Sumatra (ANTARA) - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Regional Division III Palembang, South Sumatra, is intensifying safety awareness campaigns for train journeys at level crossings to reduce the number of accidents in its area.
Public Relations Manager of KAI Divre III Palembang, Aida Suryanti, in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Tuesday, said this step was taken following a record of six accident incidents at level crossings throughout the first quarter of 2026.
“The accident figures for January to March 2026 show an increase compared to the same period last year, which recorded three incidents. This has prompted us to conduct more intensive education for the public,” she said.
During the first three months of this year, KAI Divre III has carried out 12 safety awareness sessions in schools and Islamic boarding schools near the rail tracks, as well as 40 direct outreach efforts to road users through the distribution of brochures and the installation of banners.
In addition to education, KAI has installed 104 safety banners at high-risk points and conducted three closures or narrowings of unofficial crossings that pose dangers to train operations and the public.
As the operator, KAI has a primary role in ensuring the safety and smoothness of train journeys through the management of Crossing Guards (PJL), maintenance of rail infrastructure, and the implementation of awareness campaigns.
However, the authority to manage level crossings rests with the road authority according to their classification.
For national roads, it falls under the minister’s authority; provincial roads under the governor; district/city and village roads under the regent/mayor; and special roads under legal entities or related institutions.
“KAI does not have legal authority to build gates or convert level crossings to non-level ones such as flyovers or underpasses. This is regulated in Ministry of Transportation Regulation Number 94 of 2018,” she explained.
Her side also reminds all road users that they must prioritise train journeys when crossing at level crossings.
This is in accordance with Law Number 23 of 2007 on Railways Article 124 and Law Number 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transportation Article 114.
These regulations stipulate that vehicle drivers must stop when the signal sounds, the gate begins to close, or there is another indication.
In addition, road users must prioritise trains and give priority to vehicles that have crossed the tracks first.
“The role of the community is crucial. We urge all road users to always stop, look left and right, and ensure conditions are safe before crossing. Do not take risks at crossings, because safety comes first,” she said.
KAI Divre III Palembang will continue to strengthen synergy with local government, law enforcement agencies, and all community elements, as well as collaborate with railfan communities to reduce accidents at level crossings.
“With the steps that have been taken continuously, KAI is optimistic that the safety level of train journeys in the Divre III Palembang area can continue to improve, creating safer, more orderly, and reliable journeys for all people,” said Aida.