Railfans, Sacrifice Holidays to Help Train Customers
Everyone certainly has something they love, especially if it has developed into a hobby. A hobby in the transportation sector is naturally a common thing to hear about, such as cars and motorcycles. An unusual thing that arises is a hobby centered around public transportation modes like buses, airplanes, ships, and even trains.
In the railway world, these enthusiasts are commonly referred to as railfans or train lover communities. People whose residences are connected to railway lines are surely no strangers to individuals who suddenly appear carrying a number of cameras and digital recording equipment, particularly in areas with attractive spots for a railfan to capture passing trains. They also know that railway tracks are not a place to play, as safety is the utmost priority that must always be adhered to when train hunting.
Railfans are not only fond of photography or videography, but their presence also assists PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) in serving customers. As seen during this 2022 Lebaran transportation period, railfans from various regions voluntarily involved themselves in providing excellent service to customers at stations.
Most of them are students who sacrifice their school holiday time to become volunteers by helping customers or members of the public who intend to use the train, or simply asking about train travel schedules at the station.
Within KAI's operational areas in Java and Sumatra, there are 50 KAI-fostered railfan communities that frequently collaborate with KAI management to conduct socialization activities and contribute in their own ways to the advancement of Indonesian railways. Out of those 50 railfan communities, 23 of them assisted KAI in the 2022 Lebaran transportation post, namely Jejak Railfans, Train Photograph Railfans Indonesia, Edan Sepur for Jakarta, Bandung, and Cirebon regions, GM-MarKA, RD One, National Railfans, Sedulur Sepur, Forum Railfans Area 1, and Victory Railfans.
Furthermore, there are Sahabat Kereta Api Daop 2 Bandung and Daop 8 Surabaya, Railfans Cianjur, KRDE Daop 4 Semarang and Daop 9 Jember, Spoorlimo, Railfans Jombang +43, Railfans Enam Delapan Kediri, Pecel +64 Madiun, Si Puong, RF+444 Malang, and lastly Osing Train Community.
Each of these railfan groups has a varying number of members, ranging from 20 to 400 people, and the majority of them hold student status.
During the command post period, there were a number of activities carried out voluntarily by the railfan members. Among them was guiding customers so they would not get their seat numbers wrong and enter the incorrect train car.
In addition, they also helped monitor health protocols, assisted in providing information on train travel regulations, carried luggage belonging to customers, aided confused customers during boarding or check-in, and conveyed information regarding train departure and arrival schedules. They also did not hesitate to help the elderly and customers with special needs.
Vice President Public Relations Joni Martinus admitted he was pleased and proud to collaborate with Railfans who always support KAI in every aspect. KAI expresses high appreciation to the train lover communities or railfans for their contribution during the 2022 Lebaran transportation period.
"Behind the smooth operation of this Lebaran transportation, there is certainly a role played by the helping railfans. We express our immense gratitude to our railfan friends because they have worked hand-in-hand to ensure the success of the 2022 Lebaran transportation by providing the best service to customers and realizing train journeys that are safe, comfortable, healthy, and secure," Joni said.
The presence of railfans at stations, besides supporting services, also boosts the morale of other KAI employees in executing their duties throughout the command post period.
Their involvement in KAI activities is not limited solely to the Lebaran transportation post, but also extends to the Nataru (Christmas and New Year) post, community service to clean stations, as well as conducting safety education and socialization at level crossings. This activity is also viewed positively by the public and even by relevant agencies.
Joni appreciated the activities carried out by several railfans, particularly in educating the public on train travel safety. In fact, some of these actions were the railfans' own initiatives. This represents a tangible form of love for the railway system.
For KAI, the role of railfans is highly strategic in efforts to support the progress of railways, where each of them shares the same goal to advance the railway system in Indonesia.
"Railfans hold an important role in supporting the railway advancements continuously pursued by KAI. From these positive activities, it is expected to enhance service quality and provide a positive image for both KAI and the railfans themselves," Joni concluded.
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