INDOPOSCO.ID – State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI) has cancelled a total of 82 passenger train services due to flooding in Operational Area (Daop) 4 Semarang, particularly in the Pekalongan area of Central Java, following a levee breach compounded by high tides.
KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin said extreme weather over the past several days was the main trigger of the flooding that submerged rail tracks, worsened by the collapse of a levee and tidal conditions.
“Extreme weather over the past two to three days has caused cancellations and delays across our train services. In total, 82 passenger trains have been affected by cancellations, 16 freight trains were also cancelled, and around 76 trains experienced delays,” Bobby said during a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday (Jan. 18, 2026).
Bobby explained that the initial disruption occurred at kilometer point 88+4/8, between Kaliwungu Station and Kalibodri Station. On January 17, KAI carried out recovery operations by lifting the rails and spreading approximately 105 cubic meters of ballast to restore track accessibility.
However, conditions deteriorated again later that night after two rivers flanking the rail line overflowed between kilometer points 88+900 and 89+100, on the section between Pekalongan Station and Sragi Station.
“This caused the rail line to be inundated by floodwaters,” Bobby said.
According to him, the flooding was triggered by a levee breach that coincided with high tides, preventing water from upstream areas from receding quickly and causing prolonged inundation of the tracks.
He noted that such an incident had never occurred before in the Pekalongan area.
“Previously, runoff from upstream areas with high rainfall would usually flow quickly to the sea, as river channels have been well facilitated. But this time, it coincided with a levee breach and high tides, which slowed the flow of water downstream,” he explained.
At present, the affected rail line is once again passable, although speed restrictions remain in place to ensure operational safety.
“We have completed recovery operations on the track, and it is now passable, although trains must operate under speed limitations,” Bobby said.
He added that coordination has been carried out with relevant ministries, agencies, and authorities to immediately repair the damaged levee that caused flooding of the rail infrastructure.
In addition, KAI has coordinated with stakeholders from related ministries since Sunday morning to plan long-term, permanent repairs.
Follow-up measures will begin on Monday (Jan. 19) to enable mitigation efforts and permanent improvements, particularly in special monitoring areas within Daop 4.
“Starting tomorrow, we will immediately follow up so we can mitigate risks and implement permanent repairs in the special monitoring areas within Daop 4,” he said, as quoted by Antara.
KAI has also implemented three mitigation measures, including accelerating track recovery, providing passenger recovery services, and offering ticket refunds. (aro)
