Train passenger separation?

Train passenger separation?

From Warta Kota

Several weeks ago I read reports on plans by PT Kereta Api (state railway company) to separate female train passengers from males. Later it was reported that the plan would not be realized in the near future.

The reason for such separation remains unclear. Some said it was meant to minimize sexual harassment of women. To me, the plan sounds odd because on buses and other public transport vehicles, sexual harassment may also take place, particularly during the peak hours.

The separation plan is unrealistic because there are no exact numbers of male and female passengers. If the males are far less, one railway car may be almost vacant while another is packed with women. The plan is also less human, because it separates family members wishing to enjoy their trip together, even a man from his wife.

In my view, the plan should be dropped as there is no solid reason to support it. The company should instead take care of other more urgent problems like railways schedules, security, passenger safety and maintenance.

ENDRO TJAHJONO, Jakarta