Push for Closing Level Crossings: Railway Tracks Must Be Clean and Clear

JAKARTA - The Chairman of DPR Commission V, Lasarus, has warned about the dangers posed by level crossings on railway tracks scattered across numerous locations. He stated firmly that the train accident involving KA Argo Bromo Anggrek and the KRL Commuter Line at Bekasi Timur Station must serve as a basis for the government to thoroughly close high-risk level crossings. “We have already warned that these level crossings are extremely dangerous and have triggered multiple train accidents in Indonesia,” Lasarus said in his statement on Tuesday (28/4/2026). He hopes the government will promptly conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the railway system’s operations in Indonesia, particularly regarding level crossings. “As we know, railway tracks should be clear and clean, with no obstacles or hindrances whatsoever allowed on them,” Lasarus stressed. Moreover, reports from various regions indicate the presence of illegal level crossings that are not guarded by personnel. “This poses a potential for accidents if not addressed quickly. Therefore, from DPR Commission V, we hope such incidents do not recur; enough with today’s accident and those in the past,” said the politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). “May the victims’ families be granted strength and resilience. And to the personnel on the ground, ensure and prioritise handling the victims to receive the best and maximum care,” Lasarus added. For information, the incident is believed to have started with a green-coloured taxi being struck by a KRL at the railway crossing. After that trainset was evacuated, a subsequent incident occurred. The second accident happened when the KRL heading to Jakarta–Cikarang was stationary at Bekasi Timur Station. At the same time, KA Argo Bromo Anggrek from Surabaya collided with the KRL trainset on Monday (27/4/2026) night. The accident resulted in 14 deaths based on data as of Tuesday (28/4/2026) at 08.45 WIB. The deceased victims have been taken to RS Polri Kramat Jati for further identification processes. Treatment of victims is being carried out at several healthcare facilities, including RSUD Bekasi, RS Bella Bekasi, RS Primaya, RS Mitra Plumbon Cibitung, RS Bakti Kartini, RS Siloam Bekasi Timur, RS Hermina, as well as RS Mitra Keluarga Bekasi Timur and Barat.