Indonesia lowers electricity lines to stop roof-riding train commuters

Officials have failed for years in their battle against the roof riders, trying everything from spraying the top of trains with red paint to appealing for help from religious leaders.

JAKARTA // Indonesia's state-run railway company has lowered the electrical lines powering commuter trains in its latest bid to stop commuters from riding on train roofs.

Officials have failed for years in their battle against the roof riders. They have tried everything from spraying the top of trains with red paint to appealing for help from religious leaders.

Earlier this year they suspended rows of grapefruit-sized concrete balls just above the trains.

Still, it is common to see people sitting atop the trains, which link Jakarta, the capital, and surrounding areas.

Mateta Rizahulhaq, a railway official, said that lowering the power lines will also allow for the construction of bridges over the tracks and will maximise power transmission.

Passengers often complain there are not enough trains and there are too many delays.