Long-Distance Trains Already Operating After Bekasi Timur Accident, Why Not the KRL Yet?

Operations of the commuter rail (KRL) at Bekasi Timur Station in Bekasi City remain closed following the accident between the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and the Jakarta-Cikarang KRL. The government stated that services will only resume after approval from the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT). Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi revealed that reopening KRL services is awaiting the safety evaluation results from KNKT. “If there is clearance from KNKT this afternoon, we will reopen Jabodetabek KRL services from Cikarang and Bekasi Timur to operate again,” Dudy told reporters at Bekasi Timur Station on Wednesday (29/4/2026). “We are now in the preparation process for trials, including track trials as well as signalling and so on, to ensure this station can serve KRL again,” he said. Dudy emphasised that safety aspects are the top priority before KRL services are reopened to the public. Meanwhile, PT KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin stated that his side targets KRL operations to resume in the afternoon with the same travel frequency as before. On the other hand, the rail line for long-distance trains from the east has been opened earlier on a limited basis. “The downstream line was opened at 01.30 WIB on Tuesday (28/4/2026), so that line can now be passed by long-distance trains heading from the East,” he said. Then, on Wednesday (29/4/2026) around 02.00 WIB, the line was declared safe by KNKT for trains to pass, although with speed restrictions. “Even though we are still imposing a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour at this station,” he added. The accident caused 15 female KRL passengers to die. Dozens of other passengers were injured. The victims were evacuated to several hospitals in the Bekasi area, including Bekasi City Hospital, Bella Bekasi Hospital, Primaya Hospital, Mitra Plumbon Cibitung Hospital, Bhakti Kartini Hospital, Siloam Bekasi Timur Hospital, Hermina Hospital, as well as Mitra Keluarga Bekasi Timur and Barat Hospitals. Meanwhile, 240 passengers of the Argo Bromo Anggrek train were reported safe in the incident.