Indonesian parliament calls for probe into Bekasi train collision
“An immediate, comprehensive investigation into this incident is required to determine the cause, whether it was human error, signaling issues, or operational management problems,” DPR Deputy Speaker Yuliati said in a statement cited here on Tuesday.
She stressed that the government and other relevant stakeholders must roll out adequate responses, underscoring the urgency of addressing both the physical and mental conditions of survivors.
Yuliati added that proper action should include the state-run train operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) paying restitution to victims “as a gesture of taking responsibility for the incident.”
The lawmaker went on to press the government and PT KAI to conduct periodic evaluations and monitoring to ensure that all railway services operate on safe and reliable systems to prevent future tragedies.
She also conveyed condolences to victims and those affected by the train crash, regarded as Indonesia’s deadliest in recent years.
Earlier, PT KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin reported that, as of Tuesday morning, at least 14 people were confirmed dead and 84 injured after the intercity express slammed into the rear of a stopping KRL Commuter Line train on Monday night.
The deceased have been transferred to the Kramat Djati Police Hospital for identification, while the wounded are receiving treatment at multiple medical facilities across Bekasi.
President Prabowo Subianto visited one of the hospitals to offer moral support and pledge compensation. He ordered a comprehensive investigation and announced Rp4 trillion (around US$231.9 million) to upgrade 1,800 railway crossings across Java.
PT KAI has set up emergency response and information posts at Bekasi Timur Station to provide families with updates. The company can also be contacted through its KAI 121 call center.
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Translator: Fath Putra, Tegar Nurfitra