Minister's Proposal on Women's Carriages Following Fatal Accident in Bekasi
The fatal accident involving the long-distance Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a KRL at Bekasi Timur Station has left the public in mourning. The government is committed to taking several measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Arifah Fauzi has come under the spotlight following a proposal to move women’s KRL carriages, typically positioned at the front and rear of the train, to the middle of the consist. Arifah stated that the proposal follows the deadly accident at Bekasi Timur.
As is known, 15 people died as a result of the Argo Bromo Anggrek train colliding with the KRL at Bekasi Timur Station. The identified bodies are at several hospitals in the Bekasi and Jakarta areas.
“But with this incident, we propose that if possible, the women’s carriages be placed in the middle,” Arifah told reporters after visiting victims at Bekasi City Hospital on Tuesday (28/4/2026).
Arifah has coordinated with PT KAI and inquired about the special women’s carriages. She also received explanations from KAI regarding the positioning of women’s carriages at the front or rear.
“Earlier, when we spoke with KAI, it was explained why they are placed at the very front and very back, to avoid jostling,” she said.
However, according to Arifah, in light of this accident, she wants changes. She requested that the end carriages be filled with men.
“So the men at the ends. Front and back with men, so the women in the middle,” she said.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono responded to the proposal from the PPPA Minister. He stressed that both men and women must not become victims.
“Indeed, this is the first time a rear-end collision has occurred where a KRL was hit by a long-distance train. And coincidentally, the rearmost carriage was the special women’s carriage. There is certainly concern about why the most vulnerable group, for whom we have specially provided carriages, ended up facing the highest risk,” AHY told reporters after visiting victims at Bekasi City Hospital on Tuesday (28/4/2026).
“This is also something we will continue to evaluate, but clearly, men and women are the same; neither should become victims in any incident,” he added.
He said the issue is not about men and women. He stated that the government is focused on improving the system to prevent similar accidents.
“So what we are focusing on is not women and men, but how to make the train transportation system and other public transportation systems safe, secure, providing a sense of safety and comfort, and safety first truly not just a slogan but something we can implement well,” he said.
AHY said that the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) will conduct a thorough investigation. He said the cause of the accident must be explained openly to the public.
“KNKT has committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation. I request transparency and openness so it can be explained to the public. Because this also requires education,” he said.
The KRL involved in the accident with the taxi then stopped in the middle of the tracks. Residents then gathered to help evacuate the taxi.
On the other hand, a KRL heading to Cikarang was stopped longer at Bekasi Timur Station due to the incident between the Jakarta-bound KRL and the Green SM taxi. It was this KRL stopped at Bekasi Timur Station that was subsequently hit by the Argo Bromo Anggrek train speeding from Jakarta.