Indonesia says balls to train surfers

Indonesia is using grapefruit-sized concrete balls to stop commuters from illegally riding on the roofs of trains.

Officials are suspending rows of the concrete balls, capable of delivering a very serious blow to the head, over railway lines.

The ageing Indonesian rail network - a Dutch colonial legacy from the 1950s - struggles to cope with increasing passenger numbers.

Many travellers seek to escape the overcrowded carriages by clambering on top, whilst others ride high to avoid paying a fare or "rail surf" for fun.

The first dozen or so balls were installed dangling from posts hundreds of yards from the entrance of a train station just outside the capital, Jakarta.

If successful, the project will be expanded, with the deterrent also set up near railway crossings.

Mateta Rizahulhaq, a spokesman for the state-owned rail company PT Kereta Api, said the balls were a last resort.