KAI Records 1,089 Illegal Crossings in Java and Sumatra

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has recorded that out of 3,888 level crossings in the Java and Sumatra regions, 2,799 are official crossings and 1,089 are illegal crossings. “From that number, 2,112 points are guarded and 1,776 points are unguarded. This figure shows there are still many intersection points that require joint attention,” said KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba in an official statement on Thursday (30/4/2026). Throughout the first quarter of 2026, KAI together with ministries and local governments has handled 564 crossing points through closures or upgrades to non-level crossings in the form of flyovers and underpasses. “We continue to encourage improvements in safety at crossings through cross-sector collaboration. Closing risky crossings and building flyovers and underpasses are important parts of these efforts,” Anne continued. This education emphasises the importance of stopping, looking left and right, and ensuring no train is passing before proceeding. In the context of safety, KAI also invites the public to understand the characteristics of train travel. “Trains serve hundreds to thousands of passengers in one consist, with mass and speed that require a long braking distance,” she said. “In certain conditions, trains cannot stop suddenly like vehicles on the road. Therefore, safe space on the tracks and crossings is crucial to maintain together,” Anne explained. “Every road user needs to take a moment to stop, look left and right, and ensure the conditions are truly safe before crossing, whether at gated or ungated crossings,” said Anne. She emphasised that trains carry hundreds to thousands of passengers in one journey and cannot stop suddenly, so safe space at crossings is a shared responsibility. “This simple habit is not just a rule, but a form of care that protects everyone’s safety,” she added.