Enjoying the Long Holiday Safely, KAI Urges the Public to Maintain Safety Around Railway Tracks

Long holiday periods are eagerly anticipated by the public as a time to gather with family, travel, and enjoy various activities in their surroundings. Amid increased mobility during this period, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) urges the public to always prioritize safety by staying away from railway tracks and refraining from carrying out any activities in these areas.

KAI data shows that from January to April 2026, there were 293 incidents involving collisions between trains and people, vehicles, animals, or other objects. Of these, 212 incidents, or 72.35 percent, occurred along railway lines outside station areas and level crossings. Meanwhile, 69 incidents occurred at various types of level crossings, and 12 incidents took place within station areas.

The data indicates that the greatest risks occur along railway lines passing through residential areas, rice fields, plantations, and other community environments. In these locations, people are still found walking on the tracks, sitting near the railway, playing, taking photographs, using the tracks as shortcuts, or placing objects that have the potential to disrupt train operations.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that the high proportion of incidents occurring outside stations and level crossings serves as a reminder that railway safety requires the awareness and cooperation of all parties to keep railway tracks free from any disturbances.

"Each train carries hundreds to thousands of passengers on every journey. Therefore, the railway right-of-way must remain clear of people and objects that could endanger train operations. Public compliance is an important factor in ensuring safety for everyone."

Based on the same data, 175 incidents, or nearly 60 percent of all collision cases, involved people. In addition, there were 48 incidents involving motorcycles, 33 involving cars, 20 involving animals, 11 involving heavy vehicles, and 6 involving materials or other objects around the railway line.

The high number of incidents involving people is a serious concern, particularly during long holidays and school holidays when children have more time to spend outdoors. KAI urges parents to ensure that their children do not play near railway tracks, railway bridges, or areas used by passing trains.

"We encourage parents to teach their children from an early age that railway tracks are not playgrounds. Family supervision is an important measure to prevent accidents that could affect many people. A simple decision to stay away from the tracks can help protect the safety of children and families."

KAI also advises the public not to burn trash, dry grass, or other materials near railway lines. Smoke from burning can reduce a train driver's visibility, particularly in curved sections or locations with limited sight distance. In addition, sparks from fires may trigger vegetation fires or spread to surrounding areas.

Burning activities near railway tracks also pose risks to railway operations, which require railway lines to remain safe and free from potential hazards. Furthermore, locomotives use fuel that requires strict safety management, making it essential to keep the environment surrounding railway tracks free from potential sources of fire.

The prohibition against carrying out activities on railway tracks is stipulated under Law No. 23 of 2007 on Railways. Article 181 paragraph (1) states that every person is prohibited from entering the railway right-of-way, dragging, moving, or placing objects on the tracks, or carrying out any other activities that may disrupt train operations. This provision is reinforced by Article 199, which stipulates a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment or a fine of up to IDR 15,000,000 for violations that endanger railway operations.

Anne emphasized that railway safety begins with the awareness of every individual toward their surrounding environment.

"Long holidays are a valuable opportunity to spend time with family. Therefore, we encourage the public to enjoy every moment safely by staying away from railway tracks, complying with regulations when crossing level crossings, and supervising children while they play outdoors. Holidays become even more meaningful when every family member can enjoy their time together and return to their daily activities safely and in good health."

VP Corporate Communication KAI