Railway Signal Cable Sabotaged in Cikarang, One Suspect Arrested
A railway signalling system cable was sabotaged on the Cikarang-Tambun track section in Bekasi Regency, West Java. One suspected perpetrator has been arrested and law enforcement officers are pursuing two others.
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Operational Area 1 Jakarta, together with the police, handled the suspected criminal act of cutting the track circuit cable early on Sunday (9/8/2026). Despite the signalling cable being severed, KAI confirmed that all train journeys remained safe and no delays occurred.
KAI Daop 1 Jakarta Public Relations Manager Franoto Wibowo stated that a rapid response was carried out because the damaged device is a vital part of the train safety system. “It was not just a cable that was damaged. The device is part of the signalling system that supports train journey safety. Therefore, as soon as the disruption was detected, officers immediately secured train operations and conducted field inspections,” Franoto said in a statement on Monday (10/8/2026).
The disruption was first detected at 01.55 WIB at Track Circuit 206, Km 40+200, near Telaga Pesona Housing Complex, Telagamurni Village, West Cikarang District, Bekasi Regency. Officers who received the disruption indication immediately secured train journeys, conducted field inspections, and coordinated between the Train Dispatcher (PPKA), Train Operations Controller (PPKP), and Signalling and Telecommunications personnel.
An inspection at 02.38 WIB found the track circuit/impedance bond cable had been cut. Officers subsequently replaced the cable and checked the signalling system function. By 03.02 WIB, or 67 minutes after the disruption was first detected, Track Circuit 206 was functioning normally again. During the repair process, train journeys continued to be served under applicable safety procedures, resulting in no delays.
One person suspected of involvement in the cable cutting was detained at the scene and has been handed over to the West Cikarang Police for further legal proceedings. Two other suspects are still being pursued by the police. KAI has also provided legal assistance and reported the incident to the police under report registration number B/743/VIII/2026/SPKT/RESKRIM/CIKBAR/RESTRO BKS/PMJ. Several pieces of evidence were submitted to support the investigation, including the cut cable and documentation of the damage at the scene.
To assist the process, KAI is coordinating with PT KCI regarding the use of CCTV footage as a lead in the investigation. The legal proceedings for this case are now being handled by the police. The alleged criminal act relates to theft and/or actions endangering public railway traffic, with criminal penalties in accordance with statutory provisions.
Franoto stressed that KAI does not tolerate theft or vandalism of railway infrastructure, especially devices directly connected to the train safety system. “This is a very serious act because it has the potential not only to cause material losses, but also to disrupt the system used to maintain train journey safety. We will fully support the legal process to prevent similar incidents from recurring,” Franoto asserted.
KAI appreciates the alertness of field officers and the coordination with the West Cikarang Police in handling the incident. “Thanks to the officers’ quick response, the system returned to normal within 67 minutes and no train journeys experienced delays. Safety remains the top priority in all operational conditions,” Franoto said.
KAI Daop 1 Jakarta also urged the public to help protect railway infrastructure as it is part of the public safety system. The public is expected to immediately report any suspicious activity around railway tracks, signalling devices, or other operational facilities, as the impact could endanger train operations and the safety of many people.