Stop Briefly at Crossings, Protect Countless Journeys
There are a few seconds on the road that often feel fleeting, yet hold immense significance for the safety of many. One such moment occurs when crossing a level crossing.
Pausing for a moment, looking right and left, ensuring the track is clear, and continuing the journey after a train passes is a simple habit that helps safeguard collective safety.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that safety at level crossings requires the care of all road users to look out for one another's journeys.
"Level crossings bring together the travel of many people at the exact same time. When road users are willing to stop briefly, observe their surroundings, and cross in an orderly manner, safety is maintained together," said Anne.
From 2021 through April 2026, KAI together with stakeholders has closed 1,329 unauthorized crossings as part of risk control efforts at vulnerable points. In detail, 324 unauthorized crossings were closed in 2021, 292 closures in 2022, 107 closures in 2023, 289 closures in 2024, 273 closures in 2025, and 44 closures from January to April 2026.
These steps are taken to help create a safer travel environment and reduce the potential for accidents at crossings.
KAI also recorded that there are currently 3,674 level crossings in Indonesia. Of that total, 1,810 points have become the focus of gradual safety enhancements. A total of 172 crossings are targeted for restructuring and closure due to limited road conditions, while 1,638 other crossings are prioritized for safety facility upgrades.
KAI data shows that approximately 80 percent of incident occurrences at crossings take place at unguarded locations. During the period from 2023 to 2026, a total of 948 casualties were recorded across various level crossing incidents. The single largest contributing factor is driven by behavior such as trespassing, failing to stop, or neglecting to observe surroundings before crossing.
According to Anne, taking a few seconds to stop before crossing is often a crucial decision that helps protect the safety of both road users and train journeys carrying hundreds or even thousands of passengers.
"Trains run on fixed tracks and require a safe clearance during every trip. Therefore, road users must stop first, look right and left, and ensure conditions are completely safe before crossing," Anne explained.
As part of safety enhancement measures, KAI will continue to reinforce various initiatives at level crossings through the installation of sirens and warning lights, CCTV, panic buttons, increased guarding, and coordination with central and local governments.
Anne added that a culture of compliance at crossings will have a major impact on the daily travel safety of the public.
"Safety often begins with a simple act. Pausing briefly before crossing serves as a form of care so that every journey can take place safely and securely," Anne concluded.
VP Corporate Communication KAI