Solutions to Level Crossing Issues: Fining Trespassers to Building Flyovers

Level crossings have come under scrutiny following the online taxi strike that formed part of a series of accidents involving the KA Argo Bromo Anggrek train and the KRL Commuter Line at Bekasi Timur Station in Bekasi. The train accident that occurred on Monday night (27/4/2026) has resulted in 16 deaths as of Wednesday (29/4/2026). Member of Commission V of the DPR, Rofik Hananto, is urging the imposition of sanctions or fines on motorists who breach barriers or level crossings. “Enforcement in the form of fines, increased supervision, and ongoing education must be strengthened so that traffic discipline is truly formed,” he added. In addition, he is calling for evaluations and uncompromising law enforcement if negligence is found on the part of guards or stations. The politician from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) is also pushing for the acceleration of physical railway infrastructure in agglomeration areas to address the heavy burden on railway lines. “On routes with very high traffic like the Jakarta-Cikarang line, the construction of double-double tracks (DDT) is an urgent need. With double tracks, train frequency and movement can be more orderly, reducing density and minimising potential conflicts at level crossings. This project must be prioritised,” said Rofik. From the figures, 2,803 registered crossings and 1,093 unregistered crossings are recorded. In addition, 1,832 crossings are guarded, while 971 crossings are unguarded. Meanwhile, at the beginning of 2025, the number of level crossings decreased to 3,703 points, covering 2,776 registered crossings and 927 unregistered crossings. Then in December 2025, 1,864 level crossings were recorded as guarded, while 912 points had no guards. The head of state emphasised that the government will carry out a major overhaul of level crossings and make it one of the priority tasks. “Broadly speaking, we do pay attention to these railway crossings, many of which are unguarded. Then in Java, there are 1,800 points that are also like this,” said Prabowo while visiting victims at RSUD dr. Chasbullah Abdulmadjid in Bekasi City on Tuesday (28/4/2026). He also acknowledged that the level crossing issue is an old problem that has been ongoing for decades and must be resolved immediately. The government is also preparing a budget of around Rp 4 trillion to accelerate the handling of level crossings in various regions. “For safety and because we really need trains, we must allocate it. For now, after decades without action, we will do it,” stated Prabowo.