North Sumatra residents block train tracks after fatal pedestrian accident

Residents of Medang Deras District in Batubara, North Sumatra, blocked railway tracks on Monday after a pedestrian was killed by the Datuk Belambangan train. The protest, which involved burning tires and placing furniture on the tracks, halted train operations on the Lalang-Tebingtinggi route.

The incident occurred at an unprotected railway crossing, a location where accidents have repeatedly happened, according to the local village head. Following negotiations between residents, PT KAI (Indonesian Railway Company), and the transportation authority (BTP Kelas I Medan), the blockade was lifted late Monday evening, and train services resumed.

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After an agreement was reached between PT KAI North Sumatra Region, Medang Deras community, and BTP Class I Medan, the blockade was lifted and the track was reopened for trains starting at 20:57 WIB.

PT KAI's North Sumatra Public Relations Manager, Anwar Yuli Prastyo, confirmed that operations normalized after the agreement. As part of the resolution, BTP Kelas I Medan agreed to install safety portals at five unprotected crossings along the Bandar Tinggi-Kuala Tanjung route. Residents also proposed reducing train speeds to 50 kilometers per hour in the area to enhance safety.

The fatal accident involved the Datuk Belambangan train traveling from Lalang to Tebingtinggi. The blockade led to disruptions, including the cancellation of five container freight train trips and adjustments to the Datuk Belambangan train's operational route. PT KAI urged the public to remain vigilant at railway crossings.

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We appreciate all parties who have communicated and sought solutions together so that train operations can return to normal.