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Indonesian railway stringing concrete balls to deter roof riders
Indonesia's state railway, Kereta Api Indonesia, has begun stringing concrete balls over rail lines to prevent people from hitching free rides on top of its trains, according to local news reports.
The devices are called Goal Bola-bola , or goal balls, as they resemble soccer goals with the grapefruit-sized concrete balls strung from chains, according to a report in the Jakarta Post.
Trains in Indonesia are often overcrowded.
The railway said it resorted to using the concrete balls after previous anti-roof-rider efforts - including greasing the roofs, spraying roof riders with colored water, and detentions and fines - didn't stop the practice.
But a human rights group says the balls expose violators to a punishment as severe as death for a minor infraction.
“Picture this: If a student has to take the train, he or she would face the threat of being killed by the concrete balls. Now his right to get to school safely is simply violated,” Yosep Adi Prasetyo, a spokesman for the National Commission on Human Rights, told the Jakarta Globe.
The balls will only be used on lines that run locomotives, according to the Globe report. Lines with electric trains will use swinging doors that will allow the electrical connectors through, but not roof riders.
Adi told the Globe the real problem isn't freeloading riders, but that there aren't enough trains to accommodate demand.
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They are desperate to get to work and every day the train fills up, so they hang on the outside. I'd be putting stuff up there for them to hang on to instead of knocking them off; workers make prosperity and are good for the country. Who spent the money that should have bought more trains?
And then what happens when they're killed or inured, as happens on a regular basis? They go after the government or the railroad.
Where is the money? In the pockets of the roof riders. If they bought tickets there would be more train cars.
Unlike in the USA, in India you dont get to sue when it is your own stupidity and breaking the law that caused your injury.
JD – It's INDONESIA, not INDIA...........Americans are dumber than crack. 4,978 miles between each others capitols.
Laws don't work like that in foreign countries. The courts would laugh at those that attempted to sue. Suing for being stupid is only successful in America.
I saw a video a couple years ago of a guy on top of a train like that, and some kind soul talked him into reaching up and touching one of the high voltage wires. Result? One severely toasted dumb guy.
Great. Now a bunch of Indonesians are going to steal concrete balls on chains and carry them around. A new, free weapon for a new generation.
Can't wait for the first youtube video of some guy on a train roof getting smacked in the head with a concrete ball...
haha, me too. The argument that it subjects people to a severe punishment is laughable. They're riding on top of a moving train, knowingly breaking the law and risking death already.
Could be funny if the video is edited to include cartoon sound effects.
The money spent on the Goal Bola-bola should have gone to at least another train car or some busses to ease the demand. This is a horrible idea.
They need to add a second or third line and purchase more locomotive and cars.
Yea , just like that ..I guess you'd want government bail out money to buy more trains.
If anyone is killed, the CEO of the state railway should be charged with first degree murder.
I love the Human Rights Spokesman's comment, "the right to get to school safely is simply violated" – as if riding on top of a train was safe in the first place.
"Now his right to get to school safely is simply violated,” Yosep Adi Prasetyo.
No it isn't. He shouldn't be on the top of the train. Simple as that.
Yeah, that looks effective...
Anyone remember playing with swingsets, and throwing the swing around the top bar until it was stuck up there? Those chains aren't very long, just a few passes over and under the bar, and your obstruction isn't quite so obstructive any more. Just gotta keep their head down.
Maybe just perhaps the "roof-riders" shouldn't be riding on the top of a train. what if you had a taxi service and people ride on your roof for free. it isn't the "fault" of the raillines. it is just their change to prevent loses. pay your way or walk.
I, personally, would not want to PAY for a seat on a train that is so overcrowded. I agree with Scott, use the money spent on the Goal Bola-Bolas to purchase another train car or busses. So sad.
They'll find a way to duck them. People can be very resourceful when the need arises.
Will they have webcams set up on these rigs? It would be fun to watch!
easy solution.... sell roof seating.
Why hanging balls on chains? Just a simple cross bar and wipe 'em off in droves.