Jakarta – PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), commonly known as KAI, has addressed a viral video showing a train struggling to fit into the Garahan Tunnel in Jember Regency, East Java. This incident occurred during a trial of the new Stainless Steel New Generation (SSNG) train,designed to enhance passenger services across Indonesia.
Raden Agus Dwinanto Budiadji, the EVP of Corporate Secretary at KAI, clarified that the trial was meticulously planned to evaluate safety aspects at critical points, including tunnels and bridges on the Jember-Banyuwangi route. “The trial was carried out in several stages, namely static tests and dynamic tests. In the video that went viral on social media, the trial was part of a dynamic test where the train set moved slowly while free space measurements were taken, especially in the tunnel area,” said Agus in a written statement on Saturday (11/1/2025).
This trial is part of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that must be adhered to. KAI acknowledges that the dimensions of the SSNG train are larger compared to existing trains, while the Garahan Tunnel is smaller than other tunnels.Similar trials are scheduled for the Sasak Tunnel in Daop 2 Bandung, which has slightly larger dimensions than the garahan Tunnel.
The SSNG train is already operational in other tunnels, such as the ijo Tunnel in Daop 5 Purwokerto, where the tunnel dimensions are significantly larger than the train.Agus noted that KAI had previously conducted similar tests for goods trains in the Garahan Tunnel when planning jumbo container train operations. However, due to unmet safety factors, the plan was adjusted.
“Regarding the specifications of the SSNG facilities, overall they are appropriate and there are no problems. There are slight differences with the old Stainless Steel series, namely the height of the SSNG is slightly higher, around 4.5 cm compared to the previous series.Other dimensions remain the same,” said Agus. “Therefore, testing is carried out to ensure that operations are safe and in accordance with the conditions of existing infrastructure to ensure that operations comply with safety regulations,” he continued.Currently, KAI operates 72 New Generation trains and 249 New Generation Stainless Steel trains to serve passengers. In Daop 9 Jember, KAI has increased train trips due to a significant rise in passenger numbers. In 2022, Daop 9 served 2,064,079 passengers, which increased by 36 percent in 2023 to 2,803,594 passengers. During 2024, Daop 9 recorded another 9 percent increase, serving 3,061,320 passengers.
Several new trains are planned to operate on the eastern route of Java, including the Logawa train (Jember-Purwokerto connection), the Pandalungan train (Jember-Gambir connection), and the executive train on the Blambangan express train.Agus emphasized that all facilities used must comply with safety regulations and service standards.
“Safety is the main priority in every train journey. KAI is committed to continuing to improve safety standards by maintaining optimal facilities and infrastructure. We believe that the readiness of facilities and infrastructure is the most important part of train travel operations,” he concluded.
Key Points Summary
Table of Contents
| Key Details | Details |
|———————-|————-|
| Incident Location | Garahan Tunnel, Jember Regency, east Java |
| Train Model | Stainless Steel new Generation (SSNG) |
| Trial Purpose | Evaluate safety aspects at critical points |
| Test stages | Static tests and dynamic tests |
| Passenger Growth | Daop 9 Jember: 36% increase in 2023, 9% in 2024 |
| New Trains planned | Logawa, Pandalungan, Blambangan Express |
KAI’s commitment to safety and infrastructure readiness underscores its dedication to enhancing passenger services across Indonesia. For more updates on KAI’s operations, visit their official website.
Inside KAI’s SSNG Train Trials: Safety, Infrastructure, and the Future of Indonesian Railways
In a recent development, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has been in the spotlight after a viral video showed its new Stainless Steel New Generation (SSNG) train struggling to fit into the Garahan Tunnel in Jember regency, East Java. This incident occurred during a trial phase aimed at enhancing passenger services across Indonesia. To shed light on the situation, we sat down with Dr. Aditya Pratama, a railway infrastructure specialist with over 15 years of experience in transportation engineering, to discuss the implications of this trial, KAI’s safety protocols, and the future of rail travel in Indonesia.
The Garahan Tunnel Incident: What Happened?
Senior Editor: Dr. Pratama,thank you for joining us.Let’s start with the viral video of the SSNG train in the Garahan tunnel. Can you explain what exactly happened during this trial?
Dr. Pratama: Certainly. The video captured a dynamic test phase where the SSNG train was moving slowly through the Garahan Tunnel to measure free space and ensure safety. This is a standard procedure when introducing new trains, especially ones with larger dimensions. the SSNG is slightly taller—about 4.5 cm—than previous models, which necessitated this careful evaluation. the trial was part of KAI’s Standard Operating procedures (SOP) to ensure that the train can operate safely within existing infrastructure [[1]].
Safety Protocols and Infrastructure Challenges
Senior Editor: KAI has emphasized that safety is their top priority. How do these trials align with their commitment to safety?
Dr. Pratama: KAI’s approach is commendable.They conduct both static and dynamic tests to evaluate critical points like tunnels and bridges. In this case, the Garahan Tunnel is smaller than others, which posed a challenge. However, KAI has already successfully operated the SSNG in larger tunnels, such as the Ijo Tunnel in Purwokerto. The trials are designed to identify and address any potential risks before the trains are fully operational [[2]].
Passenger Growth and Future Plans
Senior Editor: KAI has seen significant passenger growth in Daop 9 Jember, with a 36% increase in 2023 and another 9% in 2024. How is KAI planning to accommodate this growth?
Dr. Pratama: The rise in passenger numbers is a testament to the growing demand for rail travel in Indonesia. KAI is addressing this by increasing train trips and introducing new routes, such as the Logawa, Pandalungan, and Blambangan Express trains. These new services will not only enhance connectivity but also improve passenger comfort and safety. KAI’s focus on infrastructure readiness is crucial to sustaining this growth [[3]].
The Bigger Picture: KAI’s Vision for Indonesian Railways
Senior Editor: what does this incident and KAI’s response tell us about the future of Indonesian railways?
Dr. Pratama: This incident highlights the complexities of modernizing railway infrastructure while ensuring safety. KAI’s proactive approach—conducting rigorous tests and adjusting plans based on safety factors—shows their commitment to long-term improvements. With the introduction of advanced trains like the SSNG and the expansion of services, KAI is paving the way for a more efficient and reliable rail network in Indonesia. It’s a challenging journey, but one that promises significant benefits for passengers and the economy alike.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Pratama, for your insights. It’s clear that KAI’s efforts are shaping a brighter future for rail travel in Indonesia.
