KAI Records 20 Percent Jump in Passengers Ahead of Election Day
- tvOne/Teguh Joko Sutrisno
Jakarta – Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) recorded a significant jump in passenger volume entering the voting period in the 2024 General Election.
KAI Vice President (VP) Public Relations, Joni Martinus revealed data on Monday (February 12) showed that as many as 108,218 long-distance train tickets had been sold.
"This number has increased by 20 percent compared to normal conditions which average around 90,000 passengers. The number of ticket sales will continue to grow because sales are still ongoing," Martinus stated in a statement.
He explained that the passengers headed to various regions such as Surabaya, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Jakarta, Solo, and other cities.
"To accommodate customers in the period February 12-18, 2024, KAI prepared 1,502 long-distance trains or an average of 214 trips per day,"
In addition, Martinus ensured that ahead of the voting period in the 2024 Election, KAI intensified security efforts in the railway area.
This security effort is carried out to ensure customer safety and the smooth operation of trains during the voting period.
"KAI actively cooperates with the Indonesian National Army/Police to increase supervision and optimize security on trains, stations, as well as railway lines and level crossings," he remarked.
As for security on the train, officers will ensure that passengers are not disturbed by other passengers.
KAI also anticipates potential clashes between supporters who simultaneously board trains.
Then, security is also carried out at stations, to anticipate if it’s used as a gathering point for the departure of supporters of election participants.
Martinus admitted that the anticipation was also carried out, to prevent acts of vandalism against stations and trains.
"The implementation of security at the station is carried out according to Standard operating procedure (SOP) and uses metal detectors and mirror inspectors at certain stations," he concluded.