PDIP Legislator's Remarks on Minister PPPA's Proposal to Relocate Women's Carriages

The Chair of the PDIP Faction Group in Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, Selly Andriany Gantina, disagrees with the proposal from the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, regarding the relocation of the women’s exclusive carriage to the middle of the train consist.

This proposal was voiced by Arifah following the fatal accident between the Cikarang-Kampung Bandan KRL and the long-distance Argo Bromo Anggrek train at Bekasi Timur Station a few days ago. Arifah assessed that the current position of the women’s exclusive carriage at the front and rear of the KRL needs to be evaluated.

“The root of the problem is not the position of women at the end or in the middle, but the safety system,” said Selly in a written statement on Wednesday, 29 April 2026.

She understands that Arifah’s proposal to relocate the women’s exclusive carriage is a quick government response to mitigate risks. However, the proposal should not stop merely at relocating the carriage.

Selly stated that mitigation efforts must encompass how passengers, both women and men, are guaranteed safety when using public transport such as the KRL.

“Do not let the impression of women’s protection be built on the logic of sacrificing others. Public safety must not be based on who is placed as a risk shield,” said the PDIP politician.

Previously, Minister PPPA Arifah stated that operators need to review the position of the women’s carriage, which is currently at the front and rear, to improve safety aspects.

“We propose placing the women’s carriage in the middle,” said Arifatul at Bekasi City General Hospital (RSUD), Tuesday, 28 April 2026.

According to her, men’s carriages can be placed at the front and rear of the train consist. The proposal was made by Arifah after observing the composition of female victims in the accident.

Based on information from PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), the placement of the women’s carriage in its current position aims to avoid passenger congestion.

In addition to proposing an evaluation, the Ministry of PPPA is also accompanying the victims, both medically and psychologically. This accompaniment is necessary because some victims are experiencing trauma from the incident.

Arifah said that several victims are experiencing trauma and require special accompaniment. According to her, this condition becomes an important note for her ministry to strengthen women’s protection, including in public transport aspects.