Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) reported 32 disruptions to its Whoosh high-speed rail service since early 2025, caused by kite strings entangling the overhead electrical lines (LAA) or the train’s pantograph.
The company warned that kite strings pose a significant risk to train operations and could damage critical electrical infrastructure supporting Whoosh’s service.
Eva Chairunisa, General Manager of Corporate Secretary at KCIC, said the disruptions have forced trains to either slow down or temporarily stop to allow for evacuation procedures and thorough track inspections before operations could safely resume.
“Such incidents endanger the safety of train operations and disrupt the comfort of all Whoosh passengers,” Eva said in an official statement on Sunday, April 27.
Entangled kite strings can lead to electrical damage and technical malfunctions. In some cases, KCIC has been forced to carry out intensive maintenance or replace damaged components, reducing the number of trains available for service.
To prevent further incidents, KCIC urged the public to refrain from flying kites near the Whoosh rail corridor. For safety, an area of 500 meters on each side of the track must remain free of kite-flying activities.
“Flying kites near the Whoosh line can jeopardize train operations, damage electrical infrastructure, and disrupt travel for thousands of passengers,” Eva said.
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As part of its preventive measures, KCIC has deployed 530 security personnel, stationed every 500 meters along the route, operating 24/7. The railway is also equipped with a foreign object detection system and 1,396 surveillance cameras to monitor and ensure operational safety.
KCIC has also conducted 34 outreach programs, visiting schools and residential communities near the route to raise public awareness. In addition to direct education efforts, KCIC is collaborating with kite-flying communities and local security forces to minimize risks associated with activities near the track.
“We urge everyone to respect the 500-meter no-kite zone around the Whoosh route and help create a safe environment for Indonesia’s future transportation system,” Eva concluded.
(Raidi/Agung)
