Women's Commission Deems Relocation of Women's Carriages Not a Solution
JAKARTA – The National Commission on Violence Against Women has responded to the proposal by the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection to relocate women’s-only carriages to the middle of trains following the accident between a commuter train and an intercity train at Bekasi Timur Station. According to Commissioner Sundari Amir, the issue of women’s-only carriages is not a long-term safety solution.
“Policies such as women’s-only carriages are often seen as solutions. However, we reiterate that separating carriages is not a long-term solution, but rather a temporary measure,” Sundari said when contacted by Republika on Wednesday (29 April 2026).
She revealed that the accident tragedy cannot be viewed as a single incident. According to her, the event is the result of interconnected structural problems, particularly related to limitations in infrastructure and crossing safety technology.
Sundari disclosed that field facts show many railway crossings using manual systems guarded by civilians without support for automated security systems.
“This condition reflects serious negligence in providing adequate, equitable, and inclusive safety infrastructure for all citizens,” Sundari said.
Therefore, Komnas Perempuan urges the state to conduct a transparent, accountable investigation with a victim perspective. The investigation is expected to comprehensively uncover the root problems, covering policy, infrastructure, and transportation governance aspects.
“The state also needs to provide guarantees for comprehensive and gender-based victim recovery, including health services, physical and psychological rehabilitation, legal aid, and fair compensation for victims and their families,” Sundari stated.
Komnas Perempuan also calls on the public to await the results of the official investigation from the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) and to avoid speculation that could muddy the situation. Komnas Perempuan conveys deep condolences for the train accident tragedy that occurred on Monday night (27 April 2026).