PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - PT Kereta Api Indonesia continues to urge the public to increase traffic discipline when crossing railway level crossings, whether equipped with gate barriers or not.

Moreover, during the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) Transport from 21 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, KAI will add 86 additional trains. So the frequency of train trips is increasing.

"We continue to urge road users to increase traffic discipline when crossing level crossings. So that accidents at level crossings such as those that occurred on Thursday (14/12/2023) in Kalideres, West Jakarta and Kab. West Bandung will not happen again," stressed PT KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo.

As is known, on Thursday (14/12/2023) there were 2 accidents at level crossings, namely between a pick-up truck and a commuterline in Kalideres, West Jakarta, and between a minibus and KA 7330 Feeder in West Bandung Regency.

"We remind you again that the procedure for crossing a level crossing according to Law No: 22 of 2009 concerning Road Transport Traffic is to stop at the "STOP" sign, look left and right whether the crossing is guarded or not. If you are sure it is safe, "You can only sail. As for the existence of doorstops, sirens and crossing guards, these are just safety tools. The main safety tool is in the traffic signs," he said.

In Law Number 23 of 2007 concerning Railways, Article 124 states that at the intersection of a railway line and a road, road users are obliged to prioritize train travel.

Apart from that, Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Road Transport Traffic (LLAJ) article 114 also states that at level crossings between railway lines and roads, the driver must stop when the signal sounds and the train door latch starts to close, and must give priority. train.

"There is even a threat that road users who violate the rules at level crossings could be subject to a fine of up to IDR 750,000," he said.

This rule has been regulated in Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Road Transport Traffic (LLAJ) article 296 which states, every person who drives a motorized vehicle at a crossing between a train and a road does not stop when the signal sounds, the train's doorstop has started. closed, and/or there are other indications as intended in Article 114 letter a, shall be punished with imprisonment for a maximum of 3 (three) months or a fine of a maximum of Rp. 750,000.00 (seven hundred and fifty thousand rupiah).

Meanwhile, improving safety at railway level crossings, such as making the crossings non-level or installing crossing gates for those that have not yet been installed, is the authority of the central or regional government according to the highway class. This is in accordance with Minister of Transportation Regulation No PM 94 of 2018 concerning Improving the Safety of Level Crossings Between Railway Lines and Roads.

Article 5 of the regulation states that every existing level crossing must be evaluated at least once a year by the Director General of the Ministry of Transportation for national roads, the Governor for provincial roads, and the Regent/Mayor for district/city roads and village roads.

The results of the evaluation are accompanied by recommendations whether the crossing should be made level-less, closed, or its safety improved by installing portals, light signals, writing, sound, and so on.

"KAI hopes that all parties will play an active role in improving safety at level crossings for mutual safety," he said.

KAI is also proactive in improving safety at level crossings, especially in the upcoming Christmas period by adding 374 extra PJL Traffic Guard Officers (PJL) in Java and Sumatra.

Throughout 2023, KAI recorded that 313 accidents had occurred at level crossings with 90 deaths, 70 serious injuries and 71 minor injuries.

KAI VP Public Relations Joni Martinus conveyed the position of train seat availability during the Christmas & New Year (Nataru) holidays for 18 days (21 December 2023 to 7 January 2024), based on data on Friday 15 December 2023, at 07.00 WIB.

There were 1,098,181 tickets sold or 38.84% of the total tickets provided, namely 2,827,280 long distance, medium and local train tickets managed by KAI.

Tickets during this Christmas season are still widely available, people can order train tickets via the Access by KAI application, the kai.id website and all other official train ticket booking channels.

"We urge people to plan their holidays as best as possible," he added. (no/rdp*)