Bouquets in East Bekasi: Silent Bonds Remembering 16 Resilient Women
Jakarta (ANTARA) - That morning, East Bekasi Station felt slower than usual. The footsteps arriving were no longer hurried. On the second floor, along the glass near the entrance access before the tap machine, bouquets began to line up. They arrived one by one, brought by people who might not know each other, yet felt the same thing.
No one gave instructions. No one organised it. Yet the space slowly transformed into a place to pause for a moment, bow one’s head, and send prayers.
Some came just to place flowers, then stood silently for a while. Some wrote short messages, as if speaking directly to those being remembered.
Alesya, a Commuter Line user, came early on purpose. She did not know the victims, but her steps still led her there.
“I take the KRL every day. For some reason, it feels close, like losing a fellow traveller,” she said.
On the other side, Kresna did the same. He too did not know anyone among the victims.
“Every day we set off together, even if we don’t greet each other. But it still feels like one journey,” he said.
Those simple sentences were enough to explain why the bouquets kept increasing. Because behind the same routine, a closeness grew without many words. Among the bouquets, handwritten messages were tucked in.
“Thank you for being strong through the days. Your journey may stop here, but your kindness and struggles will live on in the hearts of many. May peace be with you, and strength be given to the families left behind.”
Some bouquets also included photos of the victims. Sixteen women. Figures who every day set off to work, moving from one city to another, chasing hopes, and being an important part of their families.
They were faces that might have once stood on the same platform, sat in the same carriage, or held on to the same door as millions of other users. That is why this grief feels so close.
The journey with the Commuter Line has always been more than just moving from place to place. There is the same rhythm every morning and evening, faces that start to feel familiar even without greetings. From that habit, unknowingly, a sense of mutual acquaintance grows in silence. Today, that feeling is clear.
KAI records that journeys on the Cikarang Line continue to increase over time. In 2015, the frequency was recorded at 158 trips per day. Now in 2025, the number reaches 281 trips per day.
The number of users also keeps growing. From 55.6 million users in 2022, increasing to 71.6 million in 2023, then 84.4 million in 2024, and 85.9 million in 2025. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, 21.7 million passengers have been recorded.
Behind those numbers, there is a deeper story. There are women who every day wake up earlier, travel far, work diligently, and return home carrying hopes for their families. Those remembered today are part of that story.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that what is seen in East Bekasi is a strong picture of the relationships built among KRL users.
“We see how customers come with sincerity, bringing prayers, and supporting each other. Even though they don’t know each other, there is a sense of togetherness that grows from the daily journeys,” said Anne.
Anne also conveyed thanks to all customers who have shown empathy.
“Thank you for the care given. In this situation, we feel that the shared journey also brings a sense of mutual care. This spirit strengthens us to continue providing better services,” she added.
The bouquets continue to increase. People come and go, but leave the same thing: prayers offered softly, sincere respect, and memories that do not depart.
In a place that is usually a point of departure, today many people choose to pause for a moment. Bowing, remembering, then continuing their steps with a different heart.