Padang — The Balai Teknik Perkeretaapian (BTP) Kelas II Padang has revealed a case of theft involving the Early Warning System (EWS) cables, which are crucial for train safety, at EWS 17 KM 23+755 on the TAB-DUK section on 1 April 2024.

In a statement delivered by the Head of Administration, Aslinawani Sirait, on behalf of the Head of BTP Padang, Endang Setiawan, it was reported that the incident, which took place on Adinegoro Street in Padang Sarai, Koto Tangah, resulted in a state loss of approximately Rp. 32 million.

“We received a report around 2:00 AM that an attempt to destroy and steal the EWS cables had occurred. Through our collaboration with Polsuska Divre II Sumbar and the Koto Tangah Police, we managed to apprehend three suspects by 3:30 AM,” stated Mrs. Lina during a recent press conference at the Padang City Police Headquarters.

She explained that the stolen national assets, which connected EWS 16 and 17, could have resulted in fatal accidents due to the failure of railway safety infrastructure that was developed for public safety.

“If the EWS system does not function, it could lead to accidents involving trains. The failure of the cable’s audio sensor would prevent the public from being alerted to the approaching train,” she added.

The EWS system consists of three sensors: two detection sensors that are each placed approximately 1 kilometer apart, based on signal distance calculations. The system is designed to detect incoming trains and is especially critical at level crossings with high traffic volumes where human monitoring is not possible.

“We urge the public to protect the infrastructure that has been built, rather than damaging it, as it is meant to serve the community. It’s important to remember that the EWS helps mitigate the shortage of human resources at some level crossings that are not guarded by railway personnel (PJL), ensuring a sense of safety and security for road users,” she continued.

For the record, the three suspects processed by the Padang City Police are identified as YC (38), SB (27), and A (27). They are facing charges under Article 363, paragraphs 1 to 4, 5 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), with a potential prison sentence of more than five years.