KAI strengthens safety at level crossings in North Sumatra
Efforts to build facilities and prepare personnel must go hand in hand with the discipline of road users.
Medan (ANTARA) - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Regional Division I North Sumatra is strengthening railway travel safety and road user protection through the construction of 12 level crossing guard posts at several high-risk points in the North Sumatra region.
KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra Public Relations Manager, Anwar Yuli Prasting, stated in Medan on Monday that the construction of these 12 guard posts is part of KAI’s priority programme to improve safety at level crossings.
“The 12 crossing guard posts currently under construction are part of a priority programme to build 190 guard posts nationally to further enhance safety at level crossings,” said Anwar.
He explained that the construction of these posts is spread across five areas: two locations in Medan City, three in Binjai City, three in Tebing Tinggi City, one in Pematangsiantar City, and three in Deli Serdang Regency.
According to Anwar, the selection of locations considers the technical conditions of the crossings, traffic characteristics, and the level of community and vehicle activity. One priority location is on Jalan Raya Pelabuhan, in the Belawan Port area of Medan City, which is a national road with heavy traffic from heavy vehicles and freight trucks.
“The presence of a guard post on Jalan Raya Pelabuhan is vital as it is a main route for logistics transport heading to Belawan Port. With the presence of guards, the security of both train journeys and passing vehicles can be strengthened,” he said.
In addition to physical infrastructure, through KAI’s subsidiary, KAI Properti, 48 new prospective crossing guards have been prepared following an open recruitment process. These candidates are currently undergoing basic railway training, covering duties, responsibilities, and standard operating procedures (SOP) for guarding.
“After the training, the candidates will undergo testing to obtain official certification as Crossing Track Guards (PJL). Eventually, each post will be manned by four personnel, allowing the guard posts to operate 24 hours a day,” Anwar explained.
To secure other high-risk points, KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra has also deployed 180 extra guards at 101 unmanned level crossings that are still actively used by the public.
According to data, there are 636 level crossing points in the North Sumatra region. Of that number, 151 points are guarded by KAI, local governments, the private sector, or community self-help, while the remaining 485 crossings remain unmanned.
This strengthening measure was taken following a high number of incidents. From January to September 2026, 33 incidents were recorded at level crossings involving trains and road users. This figure is approaching the total number of incidents recorded throughout 2025, which stood at 39.
“This data serves as a reminder that crossing safety requires serious attention and continuous handling. The construction of guard posts, the preparation of certified personnel, and the deployment of extra guards are KAI’s concrete steps at high-risk points,” Anwar emphasised.
The programme aligns with the Ministry of Transportation’s policy and KAI’s 2026 national programme to improve safety at 190 crossing points, encompassing area management, additional signage, and other safety support facilities.
“Efforts to build facilities and prepare personnel must go hand in hand with the discipline of road users. When all parties fulfil their roles, the safety of railway travel and the community can be better maintained,” Anwar concluded.