Indonesia Accelerates Level Crossing Closures for Railway Safety

The safety of railway travel in Indonesia is paramount, and the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub), in collaboration with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), is taking decisive action to address the persistent dangers posed by level crossings. Following a tragic accident in East Bekasi, President Prabowo Subianto issued a clear directive to immediately rectify the situation, a call that Kemenhub is now swiftly implementing.

Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has emphasized the urgency of this task, stating that the prioritization of level crossing closures is underway. This comprehensive effort involves not only Kemenhub but also regional governments and the Ministry of Public Works' Directorate General of Highways, underscoring a unified national approach. The goal is to systematically improve the safety infrastructure across the country's active railway lines.

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As per the President's directive, we will carry out the tidying up of level crossings. We will expedite this by setting priorities.

Statistics reveal a significant challenge: out of 4,046 level crossings, nearly half (1,903) are currently unguarded. This alarming figure highlights the critical need for intervention. The strategy includes a multi-pronged approach: closing unsafe crossings, constructing overpasses and underpasses, installing barriers, and deploying personnel to manage the crossings. The government has identified 10 short-term and 50 medium-term priority locations based on accident history, traffic volume, and environmental risks.

Beyond infrastructure, public awareness is crucial. The Ministry urges citizens to refrain from creating illegal crossings, which pose extreme risks to both themselves and train operations. Adherence to existing traffic signs and signals at official crossings is also strongly encouraged. The implementation of automatic detection systems for approaching trains aims to ensure barriers are lowered in a timely manner, further safeguarding the public. This concerted effort reflects Indonesia's commitment to creating a safer transportation network for all its citizens.

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The public is also urged to continue obeying the existing signs at railway crossings and not to break through the barriers that have already been closed.