Kick-Off for Level Crossing Management: Cross-Sector Collaboration Accelerates Safety Measures
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) together with Danantara, BP BUMN, the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA), and the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) held the Kick Off Meeting for Level Crossing Management at the Jakarta Railways Center Ballroom, Jakarta, on Tuesday (5/5).
This event served as a cross-sector alignment forum to accelerate safety improvements at high-risk level crossings across various regions.
Currently, there are 3,674 level crossings in Indonesia, with 1,810 points identified as key management targets. Of that number, 172 level crossings are targeted for closure due to limited conditions, while 1,638 other crossings require gradual upgrades to their safety facilities.
In the period from 2023 to 2026, a total of 948 casualties were recorded due to level crossing accidents, with approximately 80% of incidents occurring at unguarded crossings. This condition has driven the acceleration of more targeted and coordinated management steps.
Director General of Railways of the Ministry of Transportation Allan Tandiono emphasized in his opening remarks that safety is the top priority in transportation operation.
"Nothing is more valuable than human life. Level crossings are where two transportation systems with different operational patterns meet. Trains cannot stop abruptly, while road traffic is dynamic. If not managed properly, the risk is extremely high," he said.
He added that level crossing management requires collective involvement from all parties, ranging from the central government, local governments, and operators to the general public. The approach must be comprehensive, involving the closure of high-risk crossings, safety system enhancements, and the long-term construction of grade-separated crossings.
President Director of KAI Bobby Rasyidin stated that this meeting represents a starting point for faster, more concrete actions in the field, as well as a reflection on past incidents.
"We express our deep condolences over the event on April 27, 2026. There were 16 fatalities, and 17 customers remain under treatment, with conditions steadily improving. This incident serves as a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility among all of us," said Bobby.
Bobby emphasized that management steps will focus on accelerating field actions, including closing the 172 identified crossings and increasing guarding at hundreds of other points.
"Experience shows that guarding crossings significantly reduces accident risks. Therefore, guarding measures, enhanced supervision, and technology utilization must be executed simultaneously," he continued.
Additionally, KAI will strengthen the application of safety technology, including the use of communication-based systems, GPS, and the development of automation systems to support operational control that is more responsive to potential risks.
Through this kick-off meeting, the involved parties agreed to strengthen collaboration in level crossing management, encompassing the accelerated closure of high-risk points, upgrades to safety facilities, and strengthened supervision and public education.
This commitment serves as a follow-up to the inter-agency synergy built previously to improve level crossing safety. Each party will carry out its role according to its authority, from regulatory reinforcement and funding support to technical implementation in the field.
"Safety is a priority that must be maintained at all times. KAI together with all stakeholders will execute every step in a disciplined and sustainable manner, so that crossing risks can be minimized and the public can go about their activities with a sense of security," Bobby concluded.
VP Corporate Communication KAI