Operational Recovery Continues, KAI Maintains Safety as Its Top Priority
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) stated that the operational recovery process for train journeys on several flood-affected sections was still ongoing as of Monday (19/1) morning. Under these conditions, KAI is implementing operational arrangements carefully and adaptively, with travel safety as the top priority.
Vice President Corporate Communication of KAI Anne Purba stated that all operational decisions are based on the results of technical inspections in the field, while also taking into account changing weather and infrastructure conditions.
“As of this morning, infrastructure handling at several affected points has shown progress. Trains are now able to operate again on the main lines with speed adjustments and safety measures in accordance with safety standards,” said Anne.
In Daop 4 Semarang, recovery on the Pekalongan–Sragi section has shown progress. At around 05:10 a.m. WIB, waterlogging on the up and down lines was successfully handled, allowing all trains to resume operations using their respective assigned locomotives. At this stage, a speed restriction of 30 km/h remains in place while awaiting sufficient ballast compaction using a Multi Tie Tamper (MTT), a railway track maintenance machine used to lift, arrange, and compact ballast so that the track geometry meets safety standards again.
The handling process was carried out through manual ballast distribution and track lifting, followed today by additional ballast distribution, track lifting at certain points, and plans for tamping using heavy equipment if field conditions permit.
Meanwhile, in Daop 1 Jakarta, waterlogging in the Kampung Bandan station yard has been handled. From Sunday afternoon through the evening, manual track lifting was carried out on the up and down lines, followed by the use of KPJR (railway track maintenance vehicles), and was completed at 04:30 a.m. WIB. The first train passed through with a speed restriction of 20 km/h, and subsequent train operations gradually increased in speed based on the results of technical evaluations in the field.
As of Monday, January 19, 2026, KAI was still canceling 34 long-distance train journeys as part of operational arrangements during the recovery process. Cumulatively, as of today, approximately 38,000 customers have successfully canceled their tickets.
“These arrangements are implemented to ensure that every operated journey is truly safe for customers and personnel,” explained Anne.
Anne added that the operational disruptions were triggered by heavy rainfall and extreme weather since Friday (16/1), which caused rivers to overflow and embankments to break around the Pekalongan–Sragi section. In Jakarta, heavy rain also caused waterlogging at several station yards and operational railway sections.
“This condition constitutes force majeure due to natural factors beyond the company’s operational control,” she emphasized.
KAI apologized to all customers for the inconvenience and emphasized that customer rights would continue to be fulfilled through service recovery (SR) and a 100 percent ticket fare refund in accordance with applicable provisions.
To obtain the latest official information as well as ticket purchase and refund services, customers can access the Access by KAI application through the Help Center feature, which is connected to KAI Call Center 121, WhatsApp 0811-2223-3121, email [email protected], and KAI’s official social media channels.
Updates on operational conditions will continue to be communicated regularly to the public.
VP Corporate Communication KAI
