Bekasi Train Accident: DPR's Commission V Reveals Data on Level Crossings

Deputy Chairman of DPR RI Commission V, Syaiful Huda, has highlighted several aspects related to the incident involving the KA Argo Bromo Anggrek train colliding with a KRL on the Kampung Bandan-Cikarang route near Bekasi Timur Station in Bekasi, West Java. Huda spotlighted issues with level crossings and signalling or signals on the KA Argo Bromo Anggrek.

“We certainly extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families over the accident involving KA Argo Bromo Anggrek (PLB 4B) colliding with KRL PLB 5588A on the Kampung Bandan-Cikarang route. This incident is highly regrettable because long-distance and commuter trains have become the backbone of our transportation, and the state has invested significantly in developing infrastructure, signalling technology, and operational procedures for our rail journeys,” Huda said when contacted on Tuesday (28/4/2026).

Huda called on all parties to await the results of the KNKT investigation into the trigger of the accident. Nevertheless, he also provided several important notes, one of which is public compliance.

“First, public compliance in prioritising train journeys remains relatively low. We still often see people recklessly crossing boom gates at level crossings, even when signals indicating an approaching train are sounding. As a result, many vehicles get stuck in the middle of the crossing due to haste, which then triggers accidents. This is also suspected to have happened at crossing JPL 85, where a taxi recklessly crossed until it stalled in the middle of the tracks and was hit by KRL 5181,” he stated.

Furthermore, Huda highlighted the high number of level crossings that frequently disrupt train journeys. He stated that, based on records, there are currently around 3,000 to 4,000 level crossings across Indonesia.

“The majority of these crossings lack guarding, making them highly vulnerable to accidents. Currently, only about 1,200 points are guarded by PT KAI, local governments, or the Transportation Department. Meanwhile, there are 2,600 unguarded points, and the rest are illegal crossings. Information we received indicates that crossing JPL 85 near Bekasi Timur Station is one of the unguarded crossings,” he said.

Further, Huda also spotlighted the issue of the signalling system. He stated that KA Argo Bromo Anggrek should have slowed down or stopped the train.

“We are highlighting the signalling system issue. KA Argo Bromo Anggrek should have been able to slow down or even stop the journey when there is an obstruction on the crossing. The question is, when KRL 5181 was involved in an incident with a taxi and KRL 5588A stopped its journey at Bekasi Timur Station, why did KA Argo Bromo Anggrek continue to proceed? Was this purely a signalling system issue or was there an element of human error?” he remarked.

“If the investigation results show problems with the signal system, then there must be a more precise signalling revolution. Likewise, if unguarded level crossings are the main trigger, then the government and operators must carry out fundamental infrastructure improvements,” he continued.

He also underlined suspicions that the Argo Bromo Anggrek driver was under pressure to meet the schedule. “For example, if the KNKT investigation shows that the Argo Bromo driver felt pressured to catch up on the schedule, then there needs to be an improvement in time management so that safety aspects are not neglected,” he added.