Don't Spend Your Ngabuburit Around Railway Tracks—Here Are the Consequences!
During the month of Ramadan, ngabuburit—the tradition of spending time while waiting for the evening meal to break the fast—is one of the most anticipated daily activities. People commonly fill this time by reading the Quran, taking an afternoon stroll, buying takjil (light snacks for breaking the fast), or gathering with friends and family.
Recently, however, a concerning trend has emerged in several areas, with people spending their ngabuburit by gathering or carrying out activities around railway tracks. This practice poses a serious risk to both railway operations and public safety.
"Many people spend their ngabuburit around railway tracks by sitting or gathering while watching trains pass by. Some even sell goods near the tracks, place foreign objects on the railway, or move the ballast stones (track gravel). Such actions can damage railway infrastructure and even endanger train operations," said KAI Vice President of Public Relations Joni Martinus.
Joni emphasized that KAI strictly prohibits the public from carrying out any activities around railway tracks.
"KAI firmly prohibits anyone from being on railway tracks for any purpose other than railway operations. Besides putting themselves at risk, activities on or around railway tracks—including ngabuburit—can disrupt train operations," Joni stressed.
He further explained that this prohibition is clearly regulated under Law No. 23 of 2007 on Railways, Article 181 paragraph (1), which states that no person may enter the railway operational zone, drag, move, place, or remove objects on railway tracks, cross railway tracks improperly, or use railway tracks for any purpose other than railway transportation.
"In addition to posing serious safety risks, violators may face criminal penalties of up to three months' imprisonment or a fine of up to IDR 15,000,000, as stipulated in Article 199 of Law No. 23 of 2007," Joni added.
The issue is also aggravated by the large number of unauthorized structures built near railway lines within the Rumaja (Railway Operational Area), Rumija (Railway Right-of-Way Area), and Ruwasja (Railway Supervision Area).
The Rumaja area is designated exclusively for railway operations and is closed to the public. The Rumija area is intended to protect railway infrastructure and may only be used with permission from the railway infrastructure owner, provided that such use does not interfere with train operations. Meanwhile, the Ruwasja area serves to safeguard railway safety and operational continuity and may only be used for other activities if they do not endanger railway operations.
"The public is expected to comply with these regulations and refrain from constructing illegal buildings within these designated areas. This is regulated under Article 178 of Law No. 23 of 2007, which prohibits anyone from constructing buildings, walls, fences, embankments, or other structures, planting tall trees, or placing objects along railway lines that could obstruct visibility and endanger railway safety," Joni explained.
As a consequence of non-compliance with these regulations, KAI recorded 575 train-person collision incidents between 2023 and March 2024, resulting in 474 fatalities, 55 serious injuries, and 46 minor injuries.
KAI continues to consistently conduct public awareness campaigns and coordinate with local authorities regarding the dangers of carrying out activities near railway tracks. In addition, KAI routinely deploys personnel to patrol areas identified as having a high risk of unauthorized public activity.
"KAI strictly prohibits any activities around railway tracks. We invite the public to participate in creating a safer environment and ensuring the smooth operation of train services. We also encourage everyone to remind or warn anyone seen playing or carrying out activities on railway tracks," Joni concluded.