TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Operations Area (Daop) 9 in Jember is searching for the people who threw stones at a passing train, causing severe cracks in one of the windows. The Logawa train from Purwokerto to Jember was pelted with stones as it passed between Rambipuji Station - Mangli on Wednesday evening, October 9, 2024, at around 18:40 local time.

As a result of the incident, the train with serial number K3 02437 had a cracked window at seat 2AB.

"KAI Daop 9 Jember strongly deplores and condemns the act of vandalism by throwing rocks on the Logawa train, which not only damages the train's equipment, but may also endanger the passengers inside," said KAI Daop 9 Jember Legal and Public Relations Manager, Cahyo Widiantoro, in a written statement TEMPO received on Thursday, October 10.

Upon receiving a report from the Logawa train driver that rocks were thrown at the train he was operating, a security team from the Special Railway Police (Polsuska) immediately conducted a search at the site of the reported incident, but the perpetrators had fled.

"KAI Daop 9 Jember will pursue the perpetrators with the support of the local police and take firm action against them," Cahyo said.

Vandalism in the form of throwing rocks at passing trains violates Article 194(1) of the Criminal Code (KUHP), which states that anyone who intentionally causes danger to public transportation by steam power or other engine power on railways or trams shall be punished by a maximum of fifteen years in prison.

Cahyo said that if the stones thrown hit passengers or train staff and caused injury, the offender could be sentenced to a maximum of fifteen years in prison. If the action resulted in the loss of life, the penalty is life imprisonment, according to Article 194(2) of the Penal Code.

The prohibition of throwing stones at trains is also regulated in Article 180 of Law No. 23 of 2007 on Railways, which states that anyone is prohibited from removing, damaging or committing acts that cause damage and/or malfunction of railway infrastructure and facilities.

Cahyo said the damage to the Logawa train, which uses the latest Ekonomi New Generation from PT INKA, caused material and operational losses. KAI is now waiting for spare parts and repairs from PT INKA.

KAI Daop 9 Jember called on the public to help preserve and protect railway facilities and infrastructure. A moving train, he said, carries hundreds of passengers and cannot stop suddenly. "Therefore, any disruption along the journey can endanger the lives of hundreds of people," he said.

TEMPO.CO | PETIR GARDA B

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