Creating Competent Human Resources: Railway Frontline Personnel Required to Obtain Certification

Providing the best service for customers is an absolute commitment for KAI. To achieve this goal, reliable and professional human resources (HR) are one of the most important elements. Therefore, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues to improve the quality of its employees through various initiatives, including certification programs for frontline personnel conducted by the Ministry of Transportation’s Directorate General of Railways (DJKA).

Several railway professions, including train drivers, assistant train drivers, train operation controllers (PPKA), railway facility inspectors and maintenance personnel, railway infrastructure inspectors and maintenance personnel, and railway crossing guards, are required to obtain certification before carrying out their duties.

According to KAI Vice President of Public Relations Joni Martinus, certification serves as a competency standard. Therefore, railway employees working in frontline operational roles must hold valid competency certificates.

"Employees working in these fields are required to be certified. If they do not have a competency certificate, they are not permitted to perform those duties. Employees who have been certified and are considered competent to work will receive an identification card (smart card) issued by DJKA," said Joni.

Competency certificates are valid for four years, depending on the employee’s position and role, in accordance with competency requirements regulated by the Ministry of Transportation.

Furthermore, Joni explained that certification can only be obtained after employees complete education and training programs. Railway human resource education and training may be conducted by legal entities or institutions accredited by the Ministry.

"Those who receive certification have previously completed a series of professional training processes in their respective fields," Joni explained.

KAI regularly conducts certification programs for employees working in the professions mentioned above. As of 2 January 2023, approximately 10,420 employees had received certification and were ready to perform their duties.

Competency certification is essential because it serves as recognition that employees possess the knowledge, skills, and work attitudes required according to established competency standards. Certified employees are therefore guaranteed to have the credibility needed to carry out their responsibilities.

This certification requirement is also one of KAI’s efforts to control the risk of railway accidents caused by human error factors.

"Through certification, KAI aims to provide a sense of safety and comfort for customers. The public does not need to hesitate to use train services because we ensure every employee assigned to operational duties is certified and ready to provide the best service," Joni concluded.