INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – The operator of Indonesia’s Whoosh high-speed train, Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), issued an apology on Monday following a delay caused by a trespasser on the railway during the busy holiday period. The incident, involving a mentally ill individual, occurred at Kilometer 53 in the Karawang-Padalarang section, temporarily halting train services.
“We apologize to passengers for the disruption caused by a trespasser entering the Whoosh high-speed rail track,” said KCIC spokesperson Emir Monti in a statement. According to KCIC, the individual was quickly secured, and authorities are investigating how they accessed the restricted area. Preliminary findings suggest the person entered via a drainage channel linked to a nearby river.
Delays and Recovery Efforts
Train operations were suspended while KCIC conducted a thorough inspection of the tracks to ensure passenger safety. Services resumed shortly after 12:27 p.m., though delays persisted as adjustments were made to restore normal schedules. Passengers affected by the delays were provided recovery services, including food and beverages, as part of KCIC’s customer care policy.
The disruption caused congestion at several stations, particularly Halim, where passengers reported being stuck on trains. KCIC first alerted the public to the issue through its official X (formerly Twitter) account at 11:21 a.m., explaining that the delay was due to an object detected on the tracks.
Enhanced Security Measures
In response to the incident, KCIC announced plans to strengthen its security protocols to prevent similar occurrences. The company will install additional fencing along tracks, conduct routine patrols every 500 meters, and monitor the route with 1,390 CCTV cameras.
“The safety of passengers is our top priority, and we will continue to enhance security measures to prevent unauthorized access in the future,” Emir said.
Whoosh High-Speed Train: A Vital Transport Link
The Whoosh high-speed train, which connects Jakarta and Bandung, has become an essential component of Indonesia’s transportation infrastructure since its inauguration in 2023. The service experienced a significant surge in passengers during the holiday period, with KCIC recording 85,000 ticket sales between January 24-29, 2025. The daily average of 22,000 passengers marked a 24 percent increase compared to regular days, driven by holidays such as the Ascension of Prophet Muhammad SAW and Chinese New Year.
Despite the disruption, KCIC’s swift response and commitment to bolstering safety underline the challenges and responsibilities of managing a critical national transport service. As passenger numbers continue to rise, maintaining operational reliability and ensuring safety will remain key priorities for the Whoosh service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Whoosh High-Speed Train Incident
1. What caused the disruption to the Whoosh high-speed train?
The disruption was caused by a trespasser entering the tracks at Kilometer 53 in the Karawang-Padalarang section. The individual, identified as mentally ill, accessed the restricted area and temporarily halted train operations.
2. How did KCIC respond to the incident?
KCIC acted swiftly by securing the trespasser, conducting a thorough inspection of the tracks to ensure safety, and resuming train services after the area was sterilized. The company also informed passengers about the situation via their official X (formerly Twitter) account.
3. Were passengers compensated for the delays?
Yes, KCIC provided recovery services to passengers affected by the delays. This included food and beverages, in line with the company’s customer care policy.
4. How long was the train service disrupted?
The disruption began around 11:21 a.m. and sterilization of the tracks was completed by 12:27 p.m. While operations resumed shortly afterward, some delays persisted as adjustments were made.
5. What measures is KCIC taking to prevent similar incidents?
KCIC has announced the following security enhancements:
- Installation of additional fencing along the tracks.
- Routine patrols every 500 meters along the railway route.
- Monitoring with 1,390 CCTV cameras.
- Improved access control, especially in vulnerable areas like drainage channels.
6. How can the public stay updated on train disruptions?
KCIC regularly updates passengers through its official social media accounts, including its X account, and at station announcements. Travelers are encouraged to check these platforms for real-time updates.
7. What is the Whoosh high-speed train’s significance?
The Whoosh high-speed train is a vital transportation link between Jakarta and Bandung, inaugurated in 2023. It plays a crucial role in Indonesia’s infrastructure and has experienced a surge in passenger numbers during holiday periods.
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