Whoosh High-Speed Rail Cables Stolen by Former Worker, KCIC Reveals Impact
The General Manager of Corporate Secretary at KCIC, Eva Chairundani, stated that the theft of cables along the Whoosh high-speed rail tracks is extremely dangerous. The loss of these cables can disrupt vital functions essential for the safety and smooth operation of the high-speed train.
Consequently, KCIC fully supports the legal process being undertaken by the police against the perpetrators of the infrastructure cable theft, aiming to create a deterrent effect. Eva noted that the impact of the theft is not limited to material losses from the missing cables, but also includes disruptions to passenger services.
“We have emphasised to the public that there will be no compromise regarding conditions that endanger travel, such as theft. We will certainly follow up through legal channels, and we hope this serves as a lesson for everyone,” Eva said when confirmed on Friday (2/10/2026).
The theft of signal network and grounding cables on the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail line occurred at point 126+526, Blok Moncong, Melong, South Cimahi, Cimahi City, West Java on 26 July 2026, and at point 105 in Kampung Bojongsuren, Tagogapu, West Bandung Regency (KBB), West Java on 7 September 2026.
Fortunately, the damage to the cable network caused by the theft was detected by the central control system, allowing potential dangers to be avoided. However, following the most recent theft on 7 September 2026, Whoosh services were temporarily halted for approximately 1.5 hours as repairs were carried out to address the damage caused by the criminal act.
“When these cable theft incidents occur, they are detected by the operations control centre. During such moments, travel is automatically disrupted because we must halt operations to secure the tracks,” Eva explained.
To ensure operational security, KCIC has deployed 531 security personnel stationed at stations, depots, along the tracks, and various other operational areas. The 142.3 km Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh line is also equipped with security fencing featuring barbed wire, alongside 1,773 CCTV cameras distributed across various facilities, tracks, and high-speed train sets.