New Facts in Bekasi Train Collision Case Elevate Investigation to Formal Probe
Metro Jaya Police have elevated the status of the train accident case involving the Argo Bromo Anggrek and KRL at Bekasi Timur Station from investigation to formal prosecution. Several facts have emerged in the probe into the fatal accident that involved one taxi vehicle.
As is known, the Argo Bromo Anggrek train collided with the KRL at Bekasi Timur Station on Monday night (27/4). The incident resulted in 16 deaths and 90 others injured.
At the time of the accident, the Green SM taxi had stopped in the middle of the railway tracks not far from Bekasi Timur Station due to an electrical short circuit issue. The taxi was then hit by the KRL travelling from Cikarang towards Jakarta. The KRL involved in the accident with the taxi then stopped in the middle of the tracks.
On the other hand, there was a KRL heading to Cikarang that stopped at Bekasi Timur Station as a result of the incident between the Jakarta-bound KRL and the Green SM taxi. The KRL stopped at Bekasi Timur Station was then hit by the Argo Bromo Anggrek train travelling from Jakarta.
The Head of Public Relations of Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that the status of the fatal accident case was raised from investigation to formal prosecution after investigators collected several initial pieces of evidence. Several witnesses have also been questioned.
“This case has been elevated to the prosecution stage. We have conducted scene processing, witness examinations, and evidence collection including CCTV,” Budi told reporters at Monas, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (30/4).
Investigators have examined 24 witnesses to delve deeper into the case. Police are also still examining seven other individuals who play important roles in train operations, from the train traffic control centre staff (pusdalops), PPKA, signal officers, KRL drivers, Argo Bromo Anggrek train drivers, assistant drivers, to traffic controllers.
“The examinations are still ongoing at Manggarai. A total of 24 witnesses have been examined, and today there are an additional seven people being questioned,” he said.
Taxi Driver Only Worked for 3 Days
Police have uncovered new facts in the Argo Bromo Anggrek and KRL accident case at Bekasi Timur Station. The Green SM taxi driver with initials RRP involved in the chain of accidents had only been working for three days before the incident.
“From the examination results, the individual started working on 25 April 2026. So, only a few days before the incident,” Budi said.
Before starting work, the driver only underwent a short one-day training. The training covered basic vehicle introduction, such as how to start and stop the car and the use of simple features.
“So regarding how to drive, how to start the vehicle, this is just basic introduction done in one day. Namely, how to start, stop the car, as well as how to use turn signals, park, and so on,” he explained.
Police emphasise that the driver’s status is currently still as a witness. Investigators are still delving into various statements and evidence before determining whether there is any criminal element in the case.
“So the individual’s status in the current process is still as a witness,” he said.
Taxi Driver Recruitment SOP Under Scrutiny
Police are also delving into the standard operating procedure (SOP) for recruiting online taxi drivers following their involvement in the train accident. Police will examine whether there was negligence in the driver selection and training process by the taxi company.
“Later, we will see how the SOP is for accepting someone as an online taxi driver candidate. This will be delved into, including the management system,” Budi said.
Train Signalling Before Collision Under Investigation
In addition, the role of the signalling system in the incident is also being examined by police to uncover the cause of the Argo Bromo Anggrek and KRL collision at Bekasi Timur Station.
“We are still conducting in-depth investigations, including the possibility from the signalling system or communications at the incident location,” Budi said.
To ensure the exact cause, Metro Jaya Police are collaborating with the Forensic Laboratory Centre (Puslabfor) of National Police Headquarters. The forensic team will research various technical aspects, including electrical systems and train operations.
“Puslabfor is involved to see if there are electrical factors or other disruptions affecting the train traffic system,” he said.