Lessons from the Bekasi KRL Tragedy: Hifdi Urges Health Facilities to Prepare for Mass Casualty Incidents
The Indonesian Doctors’ Health Facilities Association (Hifdi) has conveyed profound condolences over the train accident that occurred at Bekasi Timur Station on Monday night (27/4/2026). The incident is seen as a vital reminder of the need to strengthen the preparedness of health service facilities (fasyankes) in facing mass casualty incidents.
Hifdi General Chairman, Dr Zaenal Abidin, stated that the preparedness of health facilities must encompass quick and coordinated responses, particularly for those located near public spaces such as train stations. According to him, the ability to respond effectively is crucial in handling victims during large-scale emergencies.
“This event reminds us of one thing that we need to continue strengthening together, namely the preparedness of health facilities around the incident site to respond to mass casualty incidents (MCI) quickly and in a coordinated manner,” said Dr Zaenal to Republika on Tuesday (28/4/2026).
Hifdi also highlighted the strategic role of primary-level health facilities, such as clinics, doctors’ practices, and other primary health services, as the nearest points that can form part of the first response chain. Therefore, Dr Zaenal stressed the importance of enhancing the capacity of health facilities to deal with mass casualty incidents.
“This strengthening does not only depend on the availability of medical equipment. But also on systems, adequate medical personnel training, and cross-sector coordination that has been prepared well in advance,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the health workers who acted swiftly on the night of the incident. According to him, this demonstrates the high dedication of health workers in providing maximum service in handling the victims.
“Hifdi is also committed to being an active part in efforts to strengthen the capacity of health facilities in Indonesia together with the government, society, and the entire health ecosystem to improve preparedness in facing future disasters,” said Dr Zaenal.
As previously reported, the train accident occurred in the Bekasi Timur area on Monday (27/4/2026) involving the Argo Bromo Anggrek train set. Based on the latest data as of Tuesday (28/4/2026) at 08.45 WIB, 14 people have been recorded as deceased and 84 injured victims. Victim handling was carried out at several health facilities, including RSUD Bekasi, RS Bella Bekasi, RS Primaya, RS Mitra Plumbon Cibitung, RS Bakti Kartini, RS Siloam Bekasi Timur, RS Hermina, as well as RS Mitra Keluarga Bekasi Timur and Barat.