Noisy With DJKA Regarding The Closing Of The Train Door, The Head Of The RW In Tanah Tinggi Jakpus Brings The Signature Of The Residents' Refusal

Motorcycle users at the train crossing in Pasar Senen area, Central Jakarta/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation through the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) is planned to test the closing of a railroad crossing in the Senen area, Central Jakarta, on March 23, next.

Head of RW 01 Tanah Tinggi, Veri Yonnevil said residents of Tanah Tinggi and Bungur regret the attitude of the DJKA who will continue to close train crossings. The reason is that thousands of residents in Tanah Tinggi and Bungur Villages do not agree.

"Earlier we had a row at the Ministry of Transportation's DJKA regarding those who persisted in closing. The plan is that on March 23, 2022, the railroad crossing will be closed," Veri said when contacted by reporters, Wednesday, March 9, evening.

Veri said that he had come to the DJKA regarding the closure plan. He brought a bundle of books in which were signed by the residents of Bungur and Tanah Tinggi Villages.

"I also brought it open regarding the residents' refusal. But DJKA still insists on closing it," he said.

Separately, Director of Railway Safety Edi Nur Salam said that this activity was carried out as an effort by DJKA to reduce level crossings.

This is because, according to Law Number 23 of 2007 concerning Railways, railroad crossings should no longer be on the same plot as the road.

"Especially with the level crossing, the safety of road users is threatened, and traffic is disrupted," he said.

Edi said that the closure of the level crossing on the south side of Pasar Senen Station needs to be done considering that an underpass is already available to cross the railway line.

Thus, the level crossing in the area must be closed because its function has been accommodated by the availability of the underpass.

Edi also said that DJKA opened space for local governments to participate in building similar underpasses and flyovers to reduce level crossings in their regions.