Dolok Merangir Station: The Vital Artery of Mobility in North Simalungun
Dolok Merangir Station is strengthening its position as vital infrastructure in Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra, serving both as a driver of community mobility and a strategic logistics transit post. Operating since 1916 by the Deli Spoorweg Maatschappij (DSM), this station has become the economic artery for the northern Simalungun region.
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Regional Division I North Sumatra has recorded significant growth in passenger volume. From January to May 202lag, Dolok Merangir Station served 5,300 customers, a 20 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025, which served 4,405 customers.
Anwar Yuli Prastyo, Public Relations Manager of KAI Divre I North Sumatra, explained that this growth is driven by the high demand for transportation that is safe, congestion-free, and punctual.
“The presence of Dolok Merangir Station, which is visited daily by two Siantar Ekspres train services—both heading to Siantar and Medan—greatly facilitates the mobility of the northern Simalungun community to various other areas in North Sumatra,” Anwar stated in a release on Sunday.
In addition to passengers, the station plays a unique role as a mandatory transit post for fuel (BBM) transport trains travelling from Labuhan Station to Siantar Station. Due to geographical challenges involving steep tracks with gradients of up to 20 per mille, fuel tanker rakes must be decoupled for safety.
Anwar provided an example where, if a locomotive pulls 20 fuel tankers from Labuhan Station, the rake must be divided into three parts upon arrival at Dolok Merangim Station. The locomotive is restricted to pulling a maximum of 7 wagons per trip to Siantar Station, after which it must move backwards to Dolok Merangir to shuttle the remaining wagons gradually.
Through its dual role in enhancing citizen accessibility and guarding energy logistics distribution, KAI Divre I North Sumatra is committed to continuously maintaining and improving service facilities at Dolok Merangir Station.
“Dolok Merangir Station is clear evidence of how historical value and modern needs can go hand in hand. KAI ensures this station remains adaptive and optimal in driving the economy and ensuring safety, both for the mobility of the Simalungun people and the smooth distribution of national logistics in North Sumatra,” he concluded.