×
Get latest travel news
The Indonesian Government has embarked on a significant safety initiative aimed at enhancing railway safety across the nation. This comprehensive program includes the closure of 172 illegal railway level crossings deemed dangerous and unregulated, as part of a larger strategy to lower the risk of accidents for both road users and rail passengers. The initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Transportation (Kementerian Perhubungan) in collaboration with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) and various stakeholders, marking a proactive approach to long-standing safety issues associated with unauthorized crossings.
The closures resulted from thorough evaluations identifying high-risk crossings nationwide. This assessment aimed to bolster Indonesia’s safety framework and address potential collision hazards present within the rail networks.
Advertisement
Advertisement
In a decisive action, the Indonesian Government has closed 172 unauthorized railway crossings that lacked proper safety infrastructure. The comprehensive evaluation revealed that these crossings posed considerable risks to both pedestrians and drivers due to insufficient safety measures and inadequate space. Indonesia is home to approximately 3,674 railway level crossings, encompassing both registered and unregulated sites. The identified closures are primarily located at sites marked by safety deficiencies, including road widths that fell below the regulatory minimum of 2 meters.
This initiative is an essential component of the Indonesian Government’s commitment to improve conditions at railway intersections that have been recognized as accident-prone.
Moreover, the Government has pinpointed 1,638 additional priority locations where urgent safety upgrades are necessary. These enhancements are crucial for crossings currently lacking essential safety installations such as guard personnel, protective barriers, communication systems, and clear warning signage. Rapid installation of these safety features is vital to Indonesia’s overall rail safety strategy.
To support this significant safety initiative, Indonesia has allocated approximately Rp800 billion (around US$44 million) to enhance railway crossing infrastructure nationwide. This funding will aid in constructing essential safety measures, staffing crossings with guardians, and employing technology to increase visibility and communication at critical crossings. This investment underlines the government’s commitment to creating a safer and better-regulated railway system for all users.
Data from the Ministry of Transportation suggests that 1,058 accidents at railway crossings occurred over the past three years, predominantly involving collisions between trains and road vehicles or pedestrians at unsafe crossings. Recent statistics indicate a downward trend in incidents; in 2024, there were 337 accidents, while 2025 saw a decrease to 291, with only 102 reported incidents up until May 1, 2026.
While these numbers indicate progress, the government insists that ongoing safety enhancements are vital to maintaining and further advancing this positive trend in safety.
Analysis of accident data reveals that the majority of railway crossing incidents transpired at locations that were either unauthorized or lacked proper safety supervision. Nearly 80% of recorded incidents occurred at crossings without adequate safety measures, highlighting significant risks posed to public safety. The data suggests that motorcycles and cars were heavily involved in these incidents, underscoring the urgent need for improved oversight and infrastructure at these crossings.
To complement physical upgrades, the Indonesian Government is launching intensified public awareness campaigns. These campaigns aim to educate road users on the dangers of misusing railway crossings and to promote adherence to safety regulations intended to safeguard lives. Authorities stress that trains have limited stopping capabilities, emphasizing the need for road users to prioritize safety and adhere to established guidelines at crossings.
The recent closures and proposed upgrades to thousands of other crossings signify Indonesia’s multi-faceted approach to transportation safety. This strategy fosters collaboration among different government agencies, state-owned enterprises like PT Kereta Api Indonesia, and local authorities, ensuring systematic improvements to both urban and rural rail networks.
With significant investments, targeted closure actions at unsafe sites, and infrastructure upgrades to prioritized locations, Indonesia is taking vital steps to secure a safer railway system for all citizens.
The Indonesian Government’s initiative to close 172 illegal railway crossings marks a substantial leap towards improved national transport safety. By integrating enforcement, infrastructure investment, and public awareness initiatives, Indonesia is systematically addressing long-term safety concerns at rail intersections. Through these ongoing efforts, the government aims to enhance rail safety, minimize collision risks, and protect both rail travelers and road users throughout the country.
Source: The post Indonesia Cracks Down on Unsafe Railway Crossings to Drastically Reduce Accidents and Strengthen National Infrastructure first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
