Examining KAI’s Readiness for Eid Homecoming Travel
The Eid homecoming (mudik Lebaran) season is an eagerly anticipated moment for millions of people in Indonesia every year. This tradition is not merely about traveling, but also carries the meaning of togetherness and warmth with family in one’s hometown. Among the various modes of transportation used for homecoming travel, trains remain a favorite choice for many people due to their comfort and punctuality.
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) is making maximum efforts to ensure that the 2024 Eid transportation period runs safely, securely, and comfortably by conducting inspections using the Railway Inspection Train (KAIS) across various regions on the island of Java together with stakeholders. The inspection journey is divided into two routes: the northern and southern corridors of Java.
The northern Java inspection route starts from Gambir Station, continuing to Cirebon, Semarang Tawang Bank Jateng, Surabaya Pasar Turi, Ketapang, and ending at Surabaya Gubeng Station. Meanwhile, the southern route begins at Gambir Station and passes through Bandung, Purwokerto, Yogyakarta, Madiun, Malang, and also ends at Surabaya Gubeng.
KAI Vice President of Public Relations Joni Martinus stated that the inspection activities aim to assess KAI’s readiness from various aspects ahead of the 2024 Eid transportation period.
"The inspections cover both safety and service aspects. Therefore, we ensure that the readiness of rolling stock and infrastructure, station facilities, human resources, and other supporting aspects are in optimal condition," he said.
During the inspection trips, potential vulnerable points that require additional monitoring were also identified. KAI deployed 842 additional personnel to inspect tracks, guard railway crossings, and monitor special observation areas.
In addition, AMUS (Tools, Materials for Emergency Response) has been prepared as part of KAI’s crisis management strategy. AMUS equipment is distributed along railway lines, ensuring that in emergency situations, repairs can be carried out immediately.
"As in previous years, KAI establishes operational command posts during the Eid transportation period. Employees from all levels, from frontline staff to top management, are deployed in the field to ensure train operations and passenger services remain optimal," Joni explained.
Furthermore, to continuously ensure operational safety and business processes, KAI has implemented regular weekend command posts for top management starting this year. This program, called Management Safety Walkthrough (MSWT), is conducted on a rotating basis every weekend across all operational areas and regional divisions.
Through MSWT, KAI’s management inspects all aspects such as rolling stock, infrastructure, facilities, services, and overall safety implementation across all work units. It also ensures compliance with the five safety cultures, verifies that technical equipment is ready for use, confirms that maintenance work is carried out according to schedule, ensures worker accommodations meet standards, and checks that employees have received proper training, possess required competencies, and understand applicable SOPs.
"MSWT is conducted regularly every weekend and has been running even before the Eid transportation preparations. This is very important as it helps maintain a safe and comfortable working environment, prevents accidents, and improves employee welfare and organizational productivity as a whole," said Joni.
Each MSWT participant is equipped with a checklist to record any potential hazards, including unsafe actions or unsafe conditions, which are then reported through KAI’s Safety Railway Information (SRI) system so that handling can be monitored and followed up accordingly.
The implementation of pre-Eid inspections, operational command posts during the Eid period, and MSWT activities throughout the year reflects KAI’s commitment to providing safe, secure, and comfortable services, especially during this year’s Eid transportation season. KAI also urges the public to participate in maintaining railway safety, such as giving priority to trains at level crossings, avoiding activities along railway tracks, and refraining from vandalism against railway facilities and infrastructure.
"The Eid transportation period is a moment when all KAI personnel deliver their best performance. This certainly also requires support from the public so that trains remain a preferred mode of transportation," Joni concluded.
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