KAI strengthens cross-sector synergy to enhance safety at railway crossings

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Daop 1 Jakarta is strengthening cross-sector synergy in efforts to enhance safety at level railway crossings for both train journeys and road users. “KAI, together with stakeholders, continues to promote the organisation of crossings, including the closure of illegal level crossings or those deemed high-risk, to minimise the potential for accidents,” said Manager of Public Relations for KAI Daop 1 Jakarta, Franoto Wibowo, in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday. In addition, KAI is providing education to the public and conducting ongoing evaluations of crossings with high risk potential. Franoto stated that public education efforts are a primary focus, particularly in increasing traffic discipline when crossing at level railway crossings. “Compliance with signs and signals, as well as vigilance from road users, are key factors in creating collective safety,” said Franoto. KAI, he added, is optimistic that through sustained collaboration between government, operators, and the public, the safety of train travel and road users will continue to improve, especially with infrastructure development and increased collective awareness of the importance of safety at level crossings. Regarding the national railway system, Franoto explained that there is a clear division of roles between operators and infrastructure providers. This division of tasks is regulated in Minister of Transportation Regulation No. 94 of 2018, particularly Article 2 paragraph (1), which states that the management of level crossings is carried out based on road status. Railway crossings on national roads fall under central government authority, provincial roads under provincial government, and district/city and village roads under local governments. For special roads, management is the responsibility of the relevant legal entity or institution. “This regulation underscores that safety at level crossings is a shared responsibility. It cannot be handled by one party alone but requires active collaboration from all stakeholders,” Franoto revealed. In the Daop 1 Jakarta region, there are currently 423 level crossings. Of these, 293 crossings are guarded, while the remaining 130 are not yet guarded. On the other hand, the construction of non-level crossings continues to show positive progress, with a total of 118 points in the form of flyovers and underpasses that play a role in improving safety and traffic flow.