Services for the Disabled Available from Station Entrances
In the darkness, he could feel the bustle of the crowd. The squeak of passing shoes blended with the sound of suitcase wheels friction against the floor. Some walked slowly, while others hurried, pressed for time.
Every few minutes, a woman’s voice could be heard over the loudspeaker, preceded by a distinctive chime, delivering information regarding train departure times. This atmosphere remains vividly etched in the mind of Abdul Rochim (27), a visually impaired man from Seyegan, Sleman, from when he first visited the Lempuyangan Station waiting room in Yogyakarta several years ago.
Amidst the station’s commotion, one sound broke Abdul’s focus. The rhythmic clicking of leather shoes from a distance grew progressively clearer as they approached him. With a slightly deep voice, a man, an officer from KAI (Indonesian Railways), introduced himself and offered assistance to Abdul, who was feeling anxious and confused at the time.
“That was my first experience travelling alone by train from Lemp_uyangan to Banyuwangi, around 2018,” said Abdul, who was met during the first weekend of September at Lempuyangan Station.
Abdul then explained his purpose and destination to the officer, including details about the train he intended to board and presenting his ticket. According to Abdul, the officer quickly understood his needs and guided him all the way into the carriage, ensuring he reached his seat.
For Abdul, the assistance he received then was like a ray of light guiding his way through a dark journey. He remembers that first experience vividly, and he continues to receive similar assistance to this day when travelling to various cities by train.
Railways have become one of the primary modes of transport for Abdul, a person with visual impairment, when travelling out of town, whether to visit relatives or attend religious gatherings. Around 2024, he almost certainly utilised the train once a month for round trips between Yogyakarta and Sidoharjo.
“I used to work in Sidoharjo; once a month, I would definitely return to Yogyakarta by train,” said Abdul.
Although he is no longer working out of town, he still frequently uses the train. His most recent journey was to Blitar on the Kahuripan train last August. “Later, at the end of the year, I plan to go to Solo using the Commuter Line,” he added.
Abdul shared his experiences as a visually impaired person receiving service when using public facilities at the station. He shared these stories so that other visually impaired individuals would not need to worry about travelling alone, especially when using the railway.
Typically, Abdul travels from Seyegan to Lempuyangan or Yogyakarta Station by booking an online motorcycle taxi. He never forgets to bring his white cane, which assists his mobility. Beyond being a tool, the cane serves as an identity that the person holding it is visually impaired.
Abdul usually asks his online taxi driver to drop him off right in front of the station entrance. After disembarking, Abdul takes out his white cane and waits by the roadside. He knows that shortly after, a station officer will approach him and offer help.
“Is there anything I can help you with, Sir? Let me escort you,” Abdul mimicked the officer’s words, which he hears every time he stands at the station entrance.
The officer then guides Abdul according to his needs. Once ticketing matters are settled, he is usually escorted to the passenger waiting room before the train arrives. “They will ask if you smoke or not. If you do, you will be escorted to the smoking area,” Abdul explained.
The officer then leaves Abdul in the waiting room, promising to return when his train arrives. Abdul is then guided again into the carriage and ensured that he is seated according to the number on his ticket.
“Almost every time I go to the station, there is always a friendly officer who helps like that, exactly the same,” he said.