Those Willing to Forgo Holiday to Ensure Smooth Homecoming
Some professions require individuals to forgo holidays, even during the Eid al-Fitr celebration, to ensure that travellers can return home safely. One such profession is that of a railway track inspector, who must walk long distances, even while fasting.
Rahmat Haryanto (36), a railway track inspector currently assigned to the Daop 6 Jogja region, shared his experiences over the past 13 years in this role. This includes his daily task of walking several kilometres while fasting, as well as braving heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Rahmat began his story by explaining the primary task of a railway track inspector, which, on the surface, appears to be simply walking along the railway tracks. However, during these walks, Rahmat constantly inspects and ensures that the tracks are safe for trains to pass.
“My inspection includes checking the tracks, sleepers, ballast, and the structures around the tracks,” Rahmat explained when interviewed at the Lempuyangan Station in Yogyakarta City on Tuesday (24/2/2023). “It is essential that there is nothing in the vicinity of the tracks.”
“The most common issue I encounter is loose rail fasteners. I simply tighten them with a wrench,” he added.
Over the past 13 years as a railway track inspector, Rahmat has inspected various railway lines in Solo, Central Java, including the Masaran, Kemiri, Palur, Jebres, Kadipiro, Solo Balapan, Purwosari, Solo Kota, and Gawok stations.
Rahmat first inspected the Yogyakarta area when he was assigned to the Patukan-Lempuyangan section. Now, with a wrench in hand, Rahmat spends his days inspecting the Lempuyangan-Maguwo section.
“This section, Lempuyangan-Maguwo, is 6.8 km long for a one-way trip, so my round trip inspection covers approximately 13.6 km,” Rahmat said.
“We must maintain full concentration to remain focused on inspecting the tracks, ensuring that no small issues are overlooked and reported to the KUPT (Railway Infrastructure Management Unit). If we miss something, it could become more dangerous and endanger the train journey,” he continued.
Regardless of the weather, Rahmat continues to inspect the tracks to ensure safety, even during the current fasting month. Enduring hunger and thirst has become an additional task that he must perform each day.
When working during rain, Rahmat uses an umbrella and raincoat as additional uniform items. During the fasting month, Rahmat ensures he gets enough rest and takes vitamins.
“When it rains, we still work. We use raincoats, umbrellas, and other gear to anticipate thunderstorms, which are the most dangerous,” he said.
“We make sure to get enough rest, maximize our time during the pre-dawn meal (sahur), and replenish our energy during the evening meal (iftar). We also don’t forget to take vitamins,” Rahmat added.
Rahmat only gets one day off per week. During Eid al-Fitr, he must also forgo time with his family as he must continue to work to ensure the safety of trains.
“In a week, I have one day off. For the afternoon inspection, I am given 1 hour and 40 minutes. For the night inspection, I am given 2 hours,” Rahmat said.
“During operations, colleagues remain on standby according to their respective schedules, even during Eid al-Fitr. The main thing is to follow the applicable work schedule,” he concluded.