Greater Mobility, KAI Implements a “Safety at Scale” Approach at Level Crossings

The growth of mass transportation brings the same global challenge that is as important as capacity, namely how a system can grow safely.

UN-Habitat records that road accidents still claim around 3,260 lives every day globally, while increasing urban mobility demands safer, more inclusive, and integrated transportation systems.

In Indonesia, this urgency is developing alongside the increasing use of railways. Throughout January–July 2026, KAI Group served 307.86 million customers, an increase of 8.32%. KAI Commuter served 242.93 million customers, while Long-Distance and Local Trains managed by KAI reached 35.26 million customers.

KAI Vice President Corporate Communication Anne Purba said that network growth needs to be accompanied by a safety at scale approach.

“The higher the intensity of travel, the greater the need for operational discipline, risk management, human resource readiness, technology, infrastructure, and collaboration throughout the network,” said Anne.

One of the most complex points of interaction is at level crossings.

KAI has designated 190 priority points for improving level crossing safety in 2026 across nine Daops and four Divres. The program includes guard posts, signs, safety and communication equipment, certified crossing guards, as well as stages for the installation of crossing gates.

KAI's approach is also becoming increasingly data-driven.

From the mapping of 1,214 level crossing points, there are 43 locations in the high-risk category, 630 with medium risk, 538 with low risk, and three in the very low-risk category.

“Risk mapping allows measures to be arranged based on field conditions. Road traffic characteristics, crossing status, environment, and train travel intensity differ at each location,” said Anne.

KAI together with stakeholders has also realized the closure of 172 level crossing locations included in the program targets.

At the corporate level, the 2026 RJPP places the strengthening of the Train Safety & Security System, intelligent rail service and inspection, digitalization of infrastructure management systems, and modernization of facilities as part of the Strengthening Operational and Organizational Foundations theme.

According to Anne, safety also requires public participation because the space around railway tracks directly interacts with community activities.

“Technology and facilities provide layers of protection. Road user discipline, compliance with signs, and interagency coordination complement these layers,” said Anne.

“A world-class railway starts with the ability to grow safely. As the number of journeys increases, risk management standards must also become increasingly mature,” concluded Anne.