PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), widely known as KAI, has significantly ramped up its efforts to enhance railway safety by systematically closing unauthorized level crossings. As of April this year, 44 illegal crossings have been permanently shut down. This recent action forms a crucial part of a broader, sustained initiative that has seen a total of 1,329 illegal level crossings closed across Indonesia since 2021.
Anne Purba, Vice President Corporate Communication for KAI, articulated the strategic importance of these decisive measures. “This proactive step is fundamental to fostering a safer travel environment and substantially mitigating the risk of accidents at these hazardous crossings,” she affirmed in a written statement released on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. KAI’s unwavering commitment to public safety and operational integrity underpins these extensive efforts.
A comprehensive overview of KAI’s ongoing closure program highlights a consistent dedication to safety over the past few years. In 2021, 324 unauthorized crossings were closed, followed by 292 in 2022, and 107 in 2023. This momentum continued with 289 closures in 2024, an additional 273 in 2025, and the latest 44 closures recorded between January and April 2026. With 3,674 existing level crossings and 1,810 identified as areas of particular concern, KAI’s multifaceted strategy is paramount for safeguarding Indonesia’s railway network.
Addressing the 1,810 identified high-priority crossings, Anne Purba detailed KAI’s forward-looking plans. Of these, 172 crossings are slated for re-organization and eventual closure due to challenging road conditions, while the remaining 1,638 are designated for substantial upgrades to their safety infrastructure. KAI’s planned enhancements encompass the installation of advanced sirens, improved warning lights, state-of-the-art Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, emergency panic buttons, and enhanced security protocols. These technological advancements are being implemented in close coordination with both central and regional governments, ensuring a cohesive and effective national approach to railway safety.
Concerning statistics from KAI reveal that a staggering 80 percent of all incidents at level crossings occur at unguarded locations. Tragically, between 2023 and 2026, these incidents resulted in 948 casualties. The predominant contributing factors to these accidents are overwhelmingly human-induced, including reckless driving, failure to stop, and insufficient attention to the surrounding environment before traversing the tracks. These figures underscore the critical need for heightened public awareness and stringent adherence to established safety guidelines.
Anne Purba strongly reiterated the immutable fact that trains operate exclusively on their designated tracks and require an unobstructed, safe passage at all times. “It is, therefore, absolutely imperative for all road users to bring their vehicles to a complete stop, meticulously check both left and right, and only proceed once they are unequivocally certain that the path is clear and entirely safe,” she urged. Embracing this simple yet vital practice can prevent countless tragedies and ensure the seamless flow of both road and rail traffic.
Cultivating a robust culture of discipline and strict adherence to safety regulations at level crossings will yield profound positive impacts on the daily journeys of millions of commuters. Beyond ensuring the safety of individual road users, these collective practices are indispensable for protecting the hundreds, even thousands, of passengers who travel securely within KAI’s train carriages. Every responsible action contributes to a greater good, fostering a safer, more reliable, and efficient railway system for all.
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Summary
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has permanently closed 44 illegal railroad crossings as of April 2026, contributing to a total of 1,329 closures since 2021. This ongoing initiative aims to mitigate the high risk of accidents at unauthorized crossings, which account for 80 percent of rail-related incidents and have caused 948 casualties between 2023 and 2026.
To address the 1,810 high-priority crossings still in operation, KAI plans to reorganize some sites and upgrade others with advanced safety infrastructure, including warning lights, CCTV, and emergency systems. KAI urges all road users to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to safety protocols, emphasizing that driver discipline is essential to ensuring the safety of both rail passengers and the public.