Reflections on the Human Condition - Api-fellowships.org

254 SESSION IV
THE INDONESIAN RAIL SYSTEM AND THE PROBLEM OF SAFETY:
COMPARISON WITH AND LESSON FROM JAPAN
Indri Hapsari Susilowati
INTRODUCTION
Train is one of the main public transportations that
make it easier for people to travel from one place to
another in Java. They tend to choose this transportation
because it is safe; more relax, faster, and affordable.
Various services and new products provided by PT
Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) nowadays have increased
positive image among the people, which should be
maintained and improved. One way to achieve this is
to give more attention to a safe journey. Commuters’
safety and comfort should be put on the top priority.
As with other means of transportation, accidents occur
on the railway. However, while the number of train
accidents is fewer, the number of victims is greater.
Furthermore, the damage caused by a train accident
costs a lot more than an accident on the street, for
instance. Besides, one train accident usually causes a
delay of the train schedule; that is disadvantageous to the
commuters. These reasons could be why train accidents
always get national attention and apprehension.
The rate of train accidents in Indonesia is fairly high. In
1996, 106 accidents happened, and 196 cases in 1999.
(Suara Merdeka: December 27, 2001) In January-
August 2001 there were seven dreadful accidents,
which took 109 people injured and 65 dead. In 2002,
there were 217 accidents; but accidents between train
and another train decreased to six accidents. (Kompas:
December 20, 2002) About 85% accidents were caused
by human error, 7% due to railway condition, 5% by
train conditions, and 3% because of environmental
or bad climate. (Suara Merdeka: December 27, 2001)
Human error can occur while the train driver is doing
his job. One of the causes is the ergonomic factor. More
ergonomics in the room of the driver cabs will reduce
the rate of accident during work.
Research to analyze further the main cause of human
error, particularly by the train driver, is still rare in
Indonesia. The research will take the Japanese Railway as
the bench mark because of its excellent railway system.
In addition, the measure of citizen anthropometrics in
Japan is similar with Indonesia.
Set of problems
Ref lections on the Human Condition: Change, Conflict and Modernity
The Work of the 2004/2005 API Fellows
As the chosen public transportation, PT KAI should
maintain its positive image by enhancing its services,
keeping to the train schedule, and guaranteeing a safe
and comfortable condition for the commuters.
It is important for PT KAI to give serious attention on the
ergonomics aspect, mainly on the driver’s workstation,
since the condition of the train is under the responsibility
of the train driver. Therefore, a comfortable and safe
work environment is very significant for these workers.
Objectives of the study
•
•
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Getting safety risks on the drivers’ workstation of
the Indonesia Railway,
Getting information about safety implementation
on the Japanese Railway, and
Comparing the Indonesia Railway and the Japanese
Railway.
Methodology
Worksite Analysis will be carried out by performing
direct survey based on walk through checklist. Train
engineers will be given questionnaires to recognize
symptoms or signs they suffer during working.
Measurement will be accomplished by measuring noise,
temperature, illumination, seat design, position, shape,
and colors of control and display in the train engineer
cabin. Working postures and repetitive motion of the
train engineers will also be measured
Collecting Secondary Data such as medical records,
outputs of the previous measurement, and other
supported data.
Sample - all classes of inter-province Indonesian trains
and the train engineers.
Tools - Camera, video camera, carpenter meter, arc,
check list, lux meter, WBGT, sound level meter, questioner,
and check list.