MP Proposes Train Drivers Monitor Tracks 2 km Ahead via Screen to Prevent Railway Accidents

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Member of the DPR RI Commission V, Sujatmiko, has proposed that train drivers should be able to monitor track conditions up to a distance of 2,000 metres ahead through a screen monitor inside the cabin.

The proposal was put forward to prevent train accidents like the one that occurred in Bekasi, West Java, from happening again.

“In the short term, I also proposed yesterday that the driver’s cabin could visually know through a screen monitor 1,000 to 2,000 metres,” said Sujatmiko during a discussion event at the DPR Building, Thursday (30/4/2026).

“Now, what can be seen is control from the station’s control system only, but the driver cannot know visually, only with the naked eye,” he said.

According to Sujatmiko, the implementation of such a system could actually be applied without requiring a large investment.

For example, with the support of surveillance camera technology (CCTV) connected at every level crossing and station.

“Hopefully, it can be done with technology that is not too expensive, just connected CCTV at every level crossing and station, so the driver can access 1,000 to 2,000 metres of forward view with that monitor,” he stated.

“If the speed is 60, the braking distance is about 600 metres; if the speed is 100, the braking distance is about 1,000 metres,” he explained.

In addition to the short-term solution, Sujatmiko also urged a comprehensive evaluation of the national transport safety system, particularly at level crossings.

He highlighted the condition of road infrastructure at crossings, which is often damaged and uneven, endangering road users.

“Level crossings are not just train tracks; the road tracks also need to be repaired. Sometimes the crossings, the roads, the asphalt, the concrete are not good, so they are uneven,” Sujatmiko revealed.

“If the headway is high, especially in Jabodetabek where trains come every five minutes, it should already use flyovers and underpasses; there is no other way,” he said.