Railway firm steps up patrols

CIREBON, West Java: In anticipation of the Idul Fitri exodus officials at the Cirebon branch of the state-run railway company Perumka are stepping up the frequency of their patrol rounds, from twice to four times a day.

The head of the branch, Makbul Suyudi, was quoted by Antara as saying Tuesday that the increased patrol was needed to watch out for areas which were prone to floods, stone-throwing and thefts.

Passengers are often victim to youths throwing stones, Makbul said.

"Any unusual sign, like loose bolts (in the tracks) or flooding must be reported to the nearest station," Makbul said.

He cited Tanjungrasa, Pabuaran, Pringkasap, Cangkring and Haurgeulir as areas prone to stone-throwing, while theft was a problem in Babakan, Losari, and Ciledug. Floods were common along the Losari-Tanjung line, he said.

On Saturday waters reached 20 centimeters in Tanjung, which forced a passing train to wait for three hours.

"If water takes more than three hours to subside, the train must switch to another route to the south," he said.