Transport Minister Absent, DPR Postpones Meeting on Bekasi Timur Train Accident
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Commission V of the DPR has decided to postpone the working meeting discussing the train accident at Bekasi Timur Station, after Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi was confirmed to be absent from the agenda held on Wednesday (13/5/2026).
Commission V Chairman Lasarus stated that the postponement decision was made after the majority of the commission’s leaders and factions requested the meeting be rescheduled in accordance with DPR procedures.
“The conclusion I drew earlier has already been conveyed; three out of four leaders requested this meeting be postponed, and six out of eight faction representatives also requested it be postponed in line with the rules,” Lasarus said during the meeting.
Lasarus emphasised that, as commission chairman, he must uphold the rules despite his good relationship with the Transport Minister.
“I must maintain the integrity of this commission; there is no political interest, none. I have a good friendship with Mr Minister; Mr Minister is my friend, even my bestie with Mr Minister,” said Lasarus.
“But in my position as chairman while I hold this mandate, I set aside that friendship first; I must stand as chairman,” he continued.
In the letter, the Transport Minister requested the meeting be rescheduled or represented by Deputy Transport Minister Suntana.
“There are two letters here. If we proceed, there is Mr Deputy Minister with his letter. But if we do not proceed because it’s a working meeting, then we postpone as per the first letter’s request,” Lasarus explained.
During the meeting, Lasarus also highlighted the lengthy investigation process into the accident by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT).
“Mr KNKT, we hope, because the reason from Mr Minister is that the KNKT investigation results are not yet complete. I’m also confused, sir, why this investigation is taking so long; this isn’t an aircraft explosion, sir,” he said.
“All of that is there, sir; the instruments are all there, the people are there, right? Everything can be done without special equipment; this can all be seen with the naked eye,” Lasarus continued.
“Please convey to Mr Deputy when Mr Minister is willing for us to hold this meeting; we will schedule it. Rather than inviting and he doesn’t come again, it would be chaotic,” he clarified.
Before closing the meeting, Lasarus also prayed for the Transport Minister’s quick recovery so he could attend the next meeting.
“But for the sake of the rules, we have to postpone this meeting for now. Colleagues, we postpone this meeting,” said Lasarus as he banged the gavel.
The collision occurred on the platform at Bekasi Timur Station KM 28+920. The total casualties from the accident reached 106 people. Sixteen people died after intensive treatment, while 90 others sustained injuries.