'It was a communication glitch, not train drivers' fault'

Three people died and dozens of others suffered injuries from the train collision on Thursday. Investigations into the cause still revolves around the possibility that the driver who rammed into the parked train missed the red signal light, however residents speaking to The Jakarta Post saw the bigger picture, as train accidents frequently take place.

Kinang Japairi, 35, works in the automotive industry. His wife was among the victims now being treated in Siaga Raya Hospital, not far from their house in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta:

I think PT KAI must improve its telecommunications system between drivers and officers who are tasked with monitoring the routes.

My wife, who was in the same carriage as the train driver, said that there was no communication via the radio carried by the train driver.

I think the trains should not only rely on signaling that may not work all the time.

I do not agree with always blaming train drivers whenever there is a train incident. They may be careless, but it can happen anytime to a person who has to work that hard the whole day.

Sanan, 45, is a clerk at a state junior high school in Senen, Central Jakarta. She lives in a housing complex in Suradita village in Tangerang. He relies on commuter trains to travel to his workplace:

Media reports said that the incident was caused by a negligent train driver who did not stop at a red light. But PT KAI is still investigating the real reason behind the incident.

I myself do not agree that train drivers should shoulder all the blame for such incidents. He may be punished, but it will not prevent another accident from happening if passengers are still allowed in drivers compartment of trains.

Train drivers do not focus on their jobs if their compartments are so crowded. I think station masters must also remind passengers that train drivers are not allowed to have passengers ride inside their compartments.

I rely on commuter trains. Therefore I hope that PT KAI will be able to improve the safety system of its trains so that there will be no other incidents.

-- The Jakarta Post