Bekasi KRL accident, Puan Maharani urges the construction of a crosswalk

Puan Maharani asked the government, KAI, and related parties not to stop at evaluating procedures. (IST)

JAKARTA - The accident of the KRL and Argo Bromo Anggrek train in the East Bekasi area has opened up a long-standing problem, namely the crossing of a piece of land is still a vulnerable point for train safety. The Chairman of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the government, KAI, and related parties not to stop at evaluating procedures.

Puan expressed her sorrow over the accident that occurred on Monday evening, April 27. The incident left 14 people dead and 84 others injured.

"On behalf of myself and on behalf of the DPR RI, I express my deep sorrow for the victims of the train accident that occurred last night in the Bekasi area," said Puan in Jakarta, Tuesday, April 28.

The accident began when an electric taxi was hit by a KRL at a crossing in the Bulak Kapal area. The taxi was said to have stopped in the middle of the track. As a result, the KRL's journey to Cikarang was interrupted and the series stopped on the track.

Not long after, the Argo Bromo Anggrek train, which was coming from behind, hit the KRL. The hard collision made the locomotive enter the women's special car at the back of the KRL.

Puan assessed that this incident should be an alarm for the safety of train transportation. He highlighted the still many cross-sections with weak security.

"We ask the government, KAI, together with related stakeholders to prioritize safety issues on the railway line. The system and security on the railway line must be improved," said Puan.

According to Puan, this accident is not only about human life and injuries. Major incidents on the crowded Jabodetabek line can also disrupt public confidence in KRL, a daily mode that many residents use to work, school, and be active.

He said the metropolitan line is now working with high load. The frequency of travel increases, the track sharing service, and the tolerance space for interference is smaller. In such conditions, safety is not enough to rely on daily procedures.

"Standardization of security must be able to convince the public that every potential risk has been anticipated," said Puan.

Puan asked that the investigation into the accident result in real improvements, not just reports. He emphasized that KRL must remain a public transport that the community believes is safe.

"Operators and governments need to show that safety standards are updated in a tangible, measurable, and understandable way by the public," said Puan.