KRL Train Collision with Argo Bromo Anggrek Train: Megawati Calls for Overhaul of Railway Safety System
Jakarta, VIVA – The Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, has conveyed her deepest condolences over the victims of the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and KRL accident at Bekasi Timur Station, which resulted in 16 fatalities and 88 injuries.
“Ibu Megawati has been following the coverage of the victim handling through the mass media. She is deeply saddened. Ibu Megawati prays for all the accident victims, especially those called by the Lord, that their journey may be smooth and they receive the best place in heaven,” said General Secretary of PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto in Jakarta on Wednesday, 29 April 2026.
Hasto explained that Megawati subsequently instructed members of the PDI Perjuangan faction in the DPR RI to pay special attention to improving the railway safety system in Indonesia, including by holding working meetings with PT KAI and related parties.
“Ibu Megawati has asked all members of the PDI Perjuangan Commission V in the DPR RI, led by Mr Lasarus, to hold a meeting to carry out improvements to the railway safety system, communication system, and instrumentation system,” said Hasto.
This incident serves as a momentum to reform and strengthen the transportation system, which is why Megawati has expressed her hopes.
“In the future, railways must become the backbone of the national transportation system that is safe, comfortable, on time, and provides quality service and safety guarantees for all Indonesian people,” Hasto continued.
On this occasion, Megawati recalled the journeys often taken by Soekarno (Bung Karno) by train. At every crossing, it was always guarded by employees known as the Indonesian Republic Railway Agency (DKARI), who at the time wore uniforms and carried red flags.
Railways played an important role in the nation’s struggle history, including facilitating the transport of troops and logistics during the physical revolution. Bung Karno himself once worked as a railway employee during the Dutch East Indies era.