Extreme Heat Can Cause Tracks to Bend, KNKT Urges KAI to Be on Alert Ahead of Christmas and New Year Holidays

Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) Soerjanto Tjahjono (right) with KAI Operations Director Awan Hermawan Purwadinata (left) / ANTARA DOC

JAKARTA – The Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), Soerjanto Tjahjono, has urged PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) to be vigilant against extreme heat, which has the potential to cause rail expansion and bend.

This warning was delivered during the departure of the 2025/2026 Christmas and New Year Transportation Inspection Train at Gambir Station, Jakarta, Antara News Agency reported on Tuesday, December 2.

Soerjanto warned that extreme heat can trigger spaten, or bending of the rails. He cited the example of the derailment of the Purwojaya train on the Gambir-Kroya route, which is suspected to be related to this phenomenon.

"Extreme heat affects rails, especially spaten (bent) rails. This is an important lesson for KAI. The problem is that the potential for spaten is difficult to detect, but I am confident that with KAI's capabilities and experience, it can be detected," he said.

In addition to impacting railways, Soerjanto said that extreme heat also poses challenges in the aviation sector. He touched on how magnetic fields from solar activity can disrupt aircraft computer systems.

"Suddenly, the aircraft's computer went haywire because the magnetic field generated by the Sun was so intense, it caused the aircraft to nosedive," said Soerjanto.

He emphasized the importance of PT KAI strengthening coordination with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), especially regarding the potential for extreme heat and heavy rainfall. According to him, railway lines crossing landslide-prone areas and bridges over rivers require special attention.

"We ask our colleagues in the field to immediately report any dangerous conditions, in accordance with railway safety standards," he said.

As part of preparations for the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year transportation period, KAI is dispatching an Inspection Train to check the readiness of facilities and infrastructure. The inspections are being carried out in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure smooth and safe services during the Christmas and New Year period.