KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra Clears 107 Illegal Crossings to Ensure Public Safety
PT Kereta Api Indonesia’s North Sumatra Regional Division I has dealt with 107 illegal level crossings along railway lines in the region between January and July 2026.
Public Relations Manager of PT KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra, Anwar Yuli Prastyo, said the enforcement included the closure of 81 illegal crossings and the narrowing of access at 26 unofficial crossing points.
“This step reflects PT KAI’s commitment to delivering a safer railway transport service, both for train journeys and for the safety of residents living near the tracks,” Anwar said on Tuesday (28/7).
Anwar explained that the operation focused on level crossings that lack official permits, have no barrier gates, and are not staffed by crossing keepers. Based on location mapping, the largest number of enforcement points was in Medan City with 32, followed by Serdang Bedagai Regency with 17, Asahan Regency with 14, Batu Bara Regency with 12, and Simalungun Regency with 12.
Most of the locations cleared were illegal crossings cutting across residents’ access roads, regency roads, and village roads. Crossings without safety signage or keepers carry a high potential for triggering traffic accidents.
Marking 140 years of railways in North Sumatra, KAI and relevant stakeholders continue to carry out regular evaluations to improve safety at level crossings on an ongoing basis.
In the process, KAI also called on the public not to open new level crossings on their own initiative, as this poses a serious danger both to themselves and to train operations.
Under regulation, the opening of level crossings is strictly governed by Law No. 23 of 2007 on Railways. Under its provisions, the construction or opening of a new level crossing requires written permission from the Minister of Transport for national roads, or from the governor and regent/mayor in accordance with the road’s classification.
“KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra hopes the public will show awareness and not open illegal level crossings that can threaten lives. Let us prioritise safety by always using official crossings equipped with safety facilities. The safety of train journeys and residents is our shared responsibility,” Anwar said.