Inspection of Railway Tracks Ahead of Nataru 2025/2026 Completed, KNKT and KAI Emphasize Safety Without Compromise for National Mobility

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has completed a series of track inspections using the Inspection Train (KAIS) on 2-4 December 2025. This activity is an important step in ensuring the readiness of station infrastructure, facilities and services ahead of the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year Transport.

The northbound inspection was carried out from Gambir to Cikampek, Cirebon, Tegal, Semarang Tawang, Cepu, Surabaya Pasar Turi, and Surabaya Gubeng before continuing the journey to Bangil, Jember, Kalisetail, to Ketapang. This route is the backbone of national mobility, connecting centers of economic growth and logistics distribution routes between major cities.

On the southern route, the journey starts from Bandung and passes through Warungbandrek, Cipeundeuy, Karangpucung, Banjar, Gandrungmangun, Kroya, Purwokerto, Kutoarjo, Yogyakarta and Solo Balapan. The series then moves to Walikukun, Madiun, Tulungagung, Blitar, Wlingi, Malang Kota Lama, Malang, Sengon, to Bangil and ends in Surabaya Gubeng. This track has a challenging contour so it requires more attention in terms of operational safety.

Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) Soerjanto Tjahjono carried out inspections of railway (KA) routes ahead of Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 (Nataru). On that occasion, he emphasized the importance of preparedness to face extreme weather during the Nataru transportation period. Soerjanto said that the KNKT took part in a series of route inspections from Jakarta to Ketapang to see firsthand the field conditions while ensuring that safety recommendations had been implemented by KAI.

“We see that what the KNKT is concerned about, especially things that are in accordance with our recommendations, have been implemented or not to prevent accidents from occurring with the same causes,” said Soerjanto.

Soerjanto also appreciated KAI’s steps, which he considered to have high initiative in maintaining safety. He emphasized that the direct involvement of the board of directors in inspections is an illustration that the safety aspect is truly placed as a top priority.

“KAI shows a serious commitment to safety. The Board of Directors went directly to see the condition of the track and decided on follow-up actions on the spot. This is good practice in ensuring the safety system is running,” said Soerjanto.

He added that a number of vulnerable areas, including several points in East Java, require intensive monitoring considering that high rainfall can affect the stability of rails, bridges and cliffs around the route. Findings that emerged during the inspection indicate that the monitoring process is ongoing and mitigation measures can be taken quickly.

KAI Deputy Main Director Dody Budiawan emphasized that the Christmas period is an important phase for KAI in maintaining safety and ensuring services run reliably. He said that the role of trains in this period was very vital in supporting community mobility and helping to drive the economy in various regions.

“Safety is an uncompromising principle. Every trip must be ensured to be safe. Apart from that, service must be optimal and all officers must be ready. Every finding in the field must be followed up immediately. KAI must be a company that can be trusted and relied upon,” stressed Dody.

He added that Nataru’s readiness was a momentum for all KAI personnel to show professionalism and operational discipline in serving the community during the period of highest mobility throughout the year.

During the inspection, KAI monitored the condition of the track, lines, bridges, signals and service facilities at the station. To increase the reliability of infrastructure, KAI has installed 84,525 meters of new rail, 189,883 cubic meters of kricak stone and 12,084 synthetic bearing rods on steel bridges. In addition, KAI placed 19 locomotives, 17 power trains, 3 cranes and 2,483 additional officers in strategic locations to support Nataru preparedness.

The Nataru Integrated Post Center is now fully operational to monitor travel in real time and ensure all operational aspects run safely and under control. Coordination between KAI, KNKT, and DJKA Kemenhub strengthens the readiness of infrastructure and services ahead of high community mobility at the end of the year.

Dody emphasized that this series of inspections reflects the strong commitment of all KAI personnel in maintaining travel safety, strengthening community mobility, and supporting equal distribution of economic activity through safe and reliable transportation services.

“We want to ensure that people can travel safely and comfortably. Through this readiness, KAI is ready to carry out its Nataru duties with full responsibility,” concluded Dody.

This press release has also appeared on VRITIMES