Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Proposes Women's Carriages in the Middle, Men's at the Ends

JAKARTA — The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, has proposed moving the dedicated women’s carriages on KRL trains to the middle of the train consist, while filling the end carriages with male passengers.

This proposal was made in response to the train accident at Bekasi Timur Station, which resulted in fatalities, including passengers in the women’s carriage located at the end of the train.

“So, men at the ends. The front and back for men, so women in the middle,” said Arifah at the dr. Chasbullah Abdulmadjid Hospital in Bekasi City on Tuesday (28/4/2026).

Previously, women’s carriages were placed at the ends to avoid overcrowding. Thus, the accident serves as material for evaluation.

“Earlier, when we talked with KAI, why they are placed at the very front and back to prevent fighting over seats. But with this incident, we propose that if possible, the women’s carriages be placed in the middle,” said Arifah.

Nevertheless, Arifah emphasised that the proposal is still preliminary and has not been discussed further. Currently, the government’s main focus remains on evacuation and victim handling.

“Not yet, this is still the main evacuation process, rescue for the victims. Earlier, I spoke briefly with the KAI Director, and we proposed it,” she said.

During the visit, Arifah noted that at least 55 victims were referred to Bekasi City Hospital.

“The victims generally have bruises, but some also have fractures in several parts,” she said.

She also highlighted the presence of male victims in the incident, even though the affected carriage was the dedicated women’s carriage.

“Earlier, in the women’s carriage, there were mostly women, the men were because they were in carriage three and also some from Argo,” she explained.

The Ministry of PPPA, continued Arifah, will provide comprehensive assistance to the victims, not only from a medical perspective but also psychological recovery.

Previously, the collision occurred between the Cikarang-bound KRL train number PLB 5568A and the KA Argo Bromo Anggrek train on the Gambir–Surabaya Pasar Turi route on Monday (27/4/2026) around 20:52 WIB at the platform of Bekasi Timur Station KM 28+920.

As a result of the incident, 14 KRL passengers died, and 84 others were injured.

The victims were evacuated to several hospitals in Bekasi, while 240 passengers from the KA Argo Bromo Anggrek were reported safe.