Megawati asks for improvements to Indonesia's railway system

JAKARTA - The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia who is also the General Chair of the PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) Megawati Soekarnoputri expressed condolences over the train accident that occurred at Bekasi Timur Station and asked for improvements to the Indonesian railway system.

The train accident between Agro Bromo Anggrek and KRL at Bekasi Timur Station is known to have caused 15 people to die and 84 others to be injured.

"Megawati's mother followed the news of handling the victims through the mass media, she was so sad. Megawati's mother prayed for all the accident victims, especially for those who were called by God to be launched and get the best place in heaven," said Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto in a statement in Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, April 29.

Hasto said Megawati then gave instructions to members of the PDI Perjuangan Faction of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia to pay special attention to the improvement of the railway security system in Indonesia, including by holding a working meeting with PT KAI and related parties.

"Megawati's mother asked all members of the Poksi (Faction Group) V PDI Perjuangan DPR RI led by brother Lasarus to hold a meeting to carry out improvements to the security system, communication system and instrumentation system of the train," he said.

Therefore, said Hasto, Megawati hopes that the incident will be a momentum to fix and strengthen the transportation system.

"In the future, the railway must be the backbone of the national transportation system that is safe, comfortable, on time, and has quality assurance for service and security for all Indonesian people," said Hasto.

In the statement, Megawati also recalled the journey often taken by Soekarno (Bung Karno) by train.

At every crossing, it is always guarded by employees called Djawatan Kereta Api Republik Indonesia (DKARI), at that time in uniform and carrying a red flag.

Trains have an important role in the history of the nation's struggle, including facilitating the transportation of troops and logistics during the physical revolution. Bung Karno also worked as an employee on the train during the Dutch East Indies.