August 6, 2025 | 10:19 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) train coded KLB V1/10416, traveling from Belawan to Rantauprapat, struck and killed a pedestrian in the early hours of Sunday, August 3, 2025. The incident occurred between Mambangmuda Station and Situngir Station at KM 54+6/7.
"KAI Divre 1 Sumut deeply regrets and is concerned about the incident. We emphasize that people should not cross railroad tracks as it is extremely dangerous and can be potentially fatal, as seen in this incident," said KAI Sumut's Public Relations Manager, M. As'ad Habibuddin, in Medan on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
As'ad highlighted that according to Law Number 23 of 2007 on Railways, Article 181 Clause (1) prohibits individuals from entering the rail utility space, dragging or placing objects on the tracks, crossing the tracks, or using the railways for anything other than train transport.
"Apart from jeopardizing safety, individuals who violate this can also face imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of Rp15 million," he added.
As of August 4, 2025, there have been 24 railway crossing accidents reported, resulting in 15 deaths and 23 injuries.
In 2024, there were 57 such incidents, causing 25 deaths, 18 serious injuries, and 16 minor injuries.
"The majority of these cases involved pedestrians, accounting for 22 of the incidents. Seventeen people died and the rest were injured," As'ad revealed.
To ensure public safety, KAI Sumut will close illegal railway crossings. Residents are urged to use only official crossings equipped with safety barriers.
"All road users must stop momentarily before crossing the railway and make sure no train is approaching. We emphasize that illegal crossings are extremely dangerous for both trains and road users," As'ad stressed.
KAI Sumut continues to raise public awareness about the importance of railway crossing safety. Under Article 124 of Law Number 23 of 2007 on Railways, road users must give priority to trains at level crossings.
Additionally, Article 114 of Law Number 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transportation requires drivers to stop when railway signals are active, when the barrier is closing, or when any other warning appears. Trains must always be given the right of way.
"We continue to educate because there's still a lack of public discipline at crossings. This puts both train operations and road users at risk," As'ad added.
Currently, there are 412 railway crossings in the Divre 1 Sumut region, consisting of 147 guarded and 265 unguarded crossings.
According to Minister of Transportation Regulation Number 94 of 2018, the responsibility for managing these crossings lies with the road owner.
rossings on national roads fall under the minister’s authority, provincial roads under the governor, and district, city, and village roads under regents and mayors.
"We call for active participation from all stakeholders to improve safety at railway crossings. The public must obey all signals: stop, look left and right, and only cross when it is safe," As'ad concluded.
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