Criminal Elements Involved: Train Crash Case in Bekasi Escalates to Investigation Stage
Police have revealed the latest developments in the investigation of the collision between the Argo Bromo Anggrek train (KA) and a KRL commuter train at Bekasi Timur Station. The case’s legal status has now been upgraded to the investigation stage.
The Head of Public Relations for Metro Jaya Police, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that the case progressed from investigation to full probe after investigators collected several pieces of initial evidence. A number of witnesses have also been questioned.
“This case has advanced to the investigation stage. We have conducted scene processing, witness examinations, and evidence collection, including CCTV,” Budi told reporters at Monas, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (30/4/2026).
Investigators have examined 24 witnesses to delve deeper into the case. Police are also still questioning seven other individuals with key roles in train operations, from the train traffic control centre (Pusdalops) staff, PPKA, signal operators, KRL drivers, Argo Bromo Anggrek train drivers, assistant drivers, to traffic controllers.
“Examinations are ongoing in Manggarai. A total of 24 witnesses have been questioned, and today there are an additional seven being interviewed,” he said.
Furthermore, police are collaborating with the National Police Headquarters Forensic Laboratory Centre (Puslabfor) team to investigate the cause of the accident. One aspect being explored is the possibility of technical disruptions, including issues with the electrical system or signals at the incident site.
On the other hand, the online taxi driver involved in the incident remains a witness. Based on examination results, the driver with initials RRP had only started working as a driver since 25 April 2026, or a few days before the incident.
“From the statements of the driver or online taxi operator who has been questioned, the individual only started working from 25 April 2026. So, just a few days before the incident. And he underwent one day of training,” Budi said.
Police will also investigate the operational system and recruitment standards of the online taxi company. This is to determine if there was any negligence in the recruitment or driver training process.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to gather additional statements and other evidence to identify the responsible parties in the accident. Police assure that the case handling is conducted professionally and transparently.
“We will provide further updates after deeper analysis and case review,” he concluded.
As is known, the Argo Bromo Anggrek train collided with a KRL at Bekasi Timur Station on Monday (27/4) night. The incident resulted in 16 deaths and 90 others injured.
At the time of the accident, a Green SM taxi was stopped in the middle of the railway tracks not far from Bekasi Timur Station due to an electrical short circuit issue. The taxi was then hit by a KRL travelling from Cikarang towards Jakarta. The KRL involved in the accident with the taxi then stopped in the middle of the tracks.
On the other side, a KRL heading to Cikarang was stopped at Bekasi Timur Station due to the incident between the Jakarta-bound KRL and the Green SM taxi. It was this stopped KRL at Bekasi Timur Station that was subsequently struck by the Argo Bromo Anggrek train travelling from Jakarta.