KNKT: GSM Taxi Not Linked to Second Train Collision in Bekasi
A hearing held at the House of Representatives (DPR RI) on 21 May 2026 has provided new details regarding the train accidents in East Bekasi. Investigators confirmed that the electric taxi involved in the initial collision showed no signs of technical failure before the incident occurred.
During the session, attended by the Ministry of Transport, the National Police, railway operators, and the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), technical findings were disclosed regarding the two separate incidents that took place on 27 April. The first collision involved an electric taxi and the KRL 5181 commuter train at an unofficial crossing. Following this, the PLB 5568 train stopped on an adjacent track to await instructions. Shortly after, the Argo Bromo Anggrek intercity train struck the stationary PLB 5568 from behind, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Regarding the taxi, KNKT Chairman Soerjanto Tjahjano stated that black box data from the vehicle (registration B 2864 SBX) showed no system errors in the hour leading up to the crash. The data revealed the taxi was travelling at approximately 15 km/h when it descended towards the crossing in ‘Drive’ mode. However, the transmission was subsequently shifted to ‘Neutral’, causing the vehicle to coast at speeds between 3 and 7 km/h. Despite the driver attempting to accelerate by pressing the pedal up to 51%, the vehicle could not regain power because it remained in neutral. The driver later shifted to ‘Park’, rendering the vehicle immobile.
Beyond the taxi’s involvement, the hearing focused heavily on why the Argo Bromo Anggrek continued its journey despite the initial accident. The second collision occurred just 3 minutes and 43 seconds after the first. The KNKT noted that while the PLB 5568 was running eight minutes late, the Argo Bromo Anggrek was running three minutes ahead of schedule.
Parliamentary members questioned why the signal on the adjacent track remained green. The KNKT explained that the signalling system at Bekasi Station only manages movements up to point 14T, meaning signal J12 remained green even though the PLB 5568 was stopped further down the line. Furthermore, the KNKT highlighted visibility issues, noting that bright lights from nearby markets and residential houses obscured the visibility of auxiliary signals, making it difficult for the train driver to distinguish actual signals from ambient light.