172 Priority Railway Crossings Closed in the First Half of 2026, KAI Strengthens Safety Education for Students
Railway safety depends on the compliance of all road users, including young people who interact with public spaces every day. To reinforce this understanding, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) conducted a railway safety awareness program for students of SMAN 6 Bandung on Monday (July 20).
The program, titled “Smart, Safe and Sustainable: Becoming a Young Generation That Cares About Railway Safety,” focused on introducing the characteristics of trains, risks around railway tracks, the responsibilities of road users at level crossings, and the proper actions to take when a train is approaching.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said that students play an important role in promoting a culture of safety, as the knowledge they gain at school can be applied in daily life and shared with their families and communities.
“Safety can begin with simple habits, such as staying away from railway tracks, not forcing your way through level crossings, stopping when warning signals are active, and reminding others when they engage in risky behavior,” said Anne.
One of the key topics explained why trains cannot stop suddenly. A passenger train consist in Indonesia typically consists of 8 to 12 railcars and weighs approximately 600 tons, excluding passengers and luggage.
Because of their length and weight, trains require significantly longer braking distances than road vehicles. These distances are influenced by speed, braking systems, track gradients, weather conditions, braking force, train configuration, and other technical factors.
In a simulation presented to the students, a train traveling at 60 kilometers per hour requires approximately 221 meters to come to a complete stop. At a speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the braking distance increases to approximately 379 meters.
When traveling at 100 kilometers per hour, the braking distance can reach approximately 505 meters. At 120 kilometers per hour, it can extend to around 860 meters. Actual braking distances may vary depending on operational and technical conditions.
“The long braking distance explains why road users must stop before reaching railway tracks. Once a vehicle or person is already on the tracks, train drivers have very limited ability to avoid potential hazards,” Anne explained.
Students also received information about the risks associated with emergency braking. Train braking systems operate using air pressure. A sudden release of pressure can result in uneven braking and increase the risk of rolling stock skidding, derailment, or overturning.
These characteristics highlight that safety at level crossings cannot depend on a train’s ability to stop. Road users must ensure they are in a safe position before a train passes.
The awareness program emphasized five key safety messages for students: do not play near railway tracks, do not cross through closed or active level crossings, stop when warning signals are activated, always give priority to trains, and protect both personal and public safety.
The use of mobile phones and audio devices should also be avoided when approaching level crossings. Such distractions can reduce a person's ability to see warning signs and hear an approaching train.
The obligation to give priority to train movements is stipulated in Article 124 of Indonesia’s Railway Law No. 23 of 2007. The regulation requires road users to prioritize trains at level crossings where railways intersect with roads.
A similar provision is contained in Article 114 of Law No. 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transportation. Drivers are required to stop when warning signals are activated, crossing gates begin to close, or other signs indicate that a train is approaching.
Violations of these provisions may be subject to penalties under Article 296 of Law No. 22 of 2009, including imprisonment of up to three months or fines in accordance with applicable regulations.
“Crossing gates, sirens, warning lights, traffic signs, and crossing attendants are all intended to alert road users. The decision to stop and wait remains the responsibility of every person approaching a level crossing,” Anne said.
Students were also encouraged to follow a simple safety principle before crossing railway tracks: stop, look both ways, make sure it is safe, and then proceed. This principle should be applied even at crossings equipped with gates and crossing attendants.
According to Anne, safety education needs to be delivered continuously because risks around railway tracks often arise from behaviors that may seem harmless, such as playing on the tracks, taking photos too close to the railway, wearing headphones, or rushing through level crossings.
“Railway tracks are not places for playing, walking, gathering, or creating content. They are operational areas that must remain clear at all times to ensure safe train operations,” Anne emphasized.
In addition to safety awareness, students were introduced to sustainable transportation, customer service technology, public-space customer protection, and career opportunities within the railway sector. These topics were included to help young people understand that railway systems rely on discipline, technology, and competent human resources.
KAI hopes that safety education programs in schools will help cultivate a generation that understands risks, follows regulations, and is willing to remind others when they observe dangerous behavior around railway tracks.
“Railway safety begins before a train arrives. Stopping, looking, listening, and ensuring that conditions are safe are simple actions that can protect many lives,” Anne concluded.
VP Corporate Communication KAI