A Few Seconds at a Level Crossing Can Cost Many Lives

There is a simple daily habit on the road that often seems brief, yet holds immense significance for the safety of many. One such moment occurs when navigating a level crossing.

Stopping briefly, observing surrounding conditions, yielding to train travel, and crossing in an orderly manner form an essential part of safeguarding collective travel safety. At this very point, the vigilance of road users directly influences the security of public journeys on both railway tracks and roadways.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that level crossings represent spaces where train travel and public activities intersect simultaneously, thereby requiring the undivided attention of all road users.

"Safety at level crossings is deeply influenced by road user behavior. When the public is willing to stop for a moment, look right and left, and obey existing road signs and signals, safety risks can be minimized,"

KAI records that there are currently 3,674 level crossings in Indonesia, with 1,810 points serving as key safety management targets. Of that total, 172 points are targeted for closure due to limited road conditions, while 1,638 other points require gradual upgrades to safety facilities.

Anne explained that trains possess operational characteristics distinct from road vehicles, requiring long braking distances and being incapable of stopping abruptly while in motion.

Therefore, every road user is urged to always yield to train travel and comply with rules when traversing level crossings, including when crossing gates remain open.

"Crossing gates help enhance safety, but the vigilance of road users remains paramount. Looking right and left before crossing is a simple habit of vital importance,"

As part of safety enhancement initiatives, KAI together with DJKA Ministry of Transportation and key stakeholders continue to restructure level crossings across various operational regions. Between April 27 and May 9, 2026, a total of 29 crossing points were closed and 5 crossing points were narrowed in several areas.

KAI also invites the public to maintain crossings that have been closed so they are not reopened or turned into new unauthorized access points, as doing so poses potential hazards to both train travel and road users.

"Crossing safety begins with small daily habits. Pausing briefly before crossing helps safeguard oneself, train journeys, and many other lives,"

VP Corporate Communication KAI