Jakarta, INTI - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is preparing to implement Automatic Train Protection (ATP) technology across its conventional railway network as part of efforts to enhance travel safety and operational security.
The plan was announced by KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin during a hearing with Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Currently, conventional train operations still rely heavily on train drivers as the final layer of safety protection. Drivers monitor trackside signals and make operational decisions based on rail conditions to ensure safe journeys.
In contrast, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system already operates using Grade of Automation (GoA) 3 technology, commonly referred to as a driverless system, where train movements are directly controlled by automated systems.
Under the GoA 3 framework, computers continuously supervise train operations while providing protection against potential train collisions.
KAI Evaluates Two ATP Technology Approaches
According to Bobby, KAI is currently developing what it refers to as an Automatic Train Protection system for conventional rail services.
The company is assessing two different approaches for implementing ATP technology.
The first option involves a conventional ATP system based on wayside and onboard equipment. This approach requires installing sensors on trains and deploying receiving devices along railway tracks.
However, Bobby noted that this method presents several challenges, including high investment costs, heavier equipment requirements, and longer implementation timelines.
“This approach is certainly expensive, heavy, and takes longer to implement,” he said.
The second option involves a more advanced solution utilizing satellite-based and wireless communication technologies.
KAI is currently considering the adoption of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), a next-generation railway communication platform designed to provide enhanced and more flexible train protection capabilities.
The FRMCS-based approach is expected to improve operational safety through advanced communication technologies that enable more efficient monitoring and control of train movements.
Level Crossing Safety Remains a Key Priority
In addition to ATP development, KAI continues to prioritize safety improvements at level crossings as part of its broader operational strategy.
Safety remains one of KAI’s three main pillars, alongside operational performance and customer service.
Bobby explained that the management of level crossings is generally the responsibility of the government, depending on whether the intersecting road falls under national, provincial, or municipal jurisdiction.
According to KAI data, Indonesia currently has 3,674 level crossings. Of these, 1,810 crossings are unguarded.
Among the unguarded crossings, 172 have road widths of less than two meters, while 1,638 have road widths exceeding two meters.
To improve safety, KAI has already closed all 172 narrow crossings and plans to install safety gates or protective barriers at the remaining 1,638 locations.
For crossings with heavy traffic volumes, the company has proposed the construction of grade-separated infrastructure, including flyovers, to eliminate direct intersections between railway tracks and road traffic.
KAI estimates that approximately 40 locations require flyover development.
The capital expenditure needed to improve safety measures at the 1,638 crossings is estimated at around Rp1.2 trillion. In addition, annual operating expenses are projected to reach approximately Rp700 billion.
These operational costs would support the deployment of more than 8,000 crossing guards working in a continuous three-shift system to enhance railway and road user safety.
Conclusion
KAI is accelerating railway modernization by evaluating advanced Automatic Train Protection technologies, including satellite and wireless-based systems, while simultaneously strengthening safety measures at level crossings to reduce accidents and improve overall rail network security.
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