Jakarta Train Crash: Women-Only Carriage Suffers Worst Hit

At least 14 people were killed and 84 others wounded in a severe Jakarta train collision on the outskirts of the Indonesian capital after a long-distance passenger train slammed into a commuter train.

The accident occurred around 9 p.m. local time on April 27 at East Bekasi station in West Java. An Argo Bromo passenger train heading toward Surabaya struck a stopped commuter line train from behind.

The impact crushed the rear-most carriage of the commuter train, which is designated as a women-only carriage, into twisted metal. State-owned rail operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) reported that evacuation efforts took over eight hours due to the complexity of the wreckage.

Survivors Trapped in Wreckage

Among the victims was 41-year-old textile worker Endang Kuswati, who was trapped under a crush of people and metal for approximately 10 hours. Her family only confirmed her location around 2 a.m. after seeing her in a reporter’s photograph.

Ms. Endang was rescued around 7 a.m. on April 28 and transported to a hospital. While conscious, she suffered swelling and is undergoing X-rays to determine the extent of her internal injuries.

Another survivor, identified as Ms. Laily, reported being thrown upside down during the collision. She was treated for a large bump on her forehead and shoulder bruises, with doctors providing a good prognosis.

Government Response to the Jakarta Train Collision

President Prabowo Subianto visited the Bekasi Regional Public Hospital on April 28, where he pledged that the government would provide compensation to the victims.

Addressing the systemic cause of such accidents, President Prabowo stated that the island of Java has 1,800 railway crossings dating back to the Dutch colonial era. He has ordered these crossings to be “tidied up” to improve safety.

Women’s Empowerment Minister Arifah Fauzi also visited the injured and emphasized the need for psychological care for traumatized victims.

Safety Review of Women-Only Carriages

The ministry has raised concerns regarding the current placement of women-only carriages, which are positioned at either end of the trains. These carriages were introduced in 2012 to combat sexual harassment.

Minister Fauzi stated that her ministry has requested KAI move these specialized carriages to the middle of the train to better protect passengers during potential rear-end or head-on collisions.

As of April 28, at least 54 victims remained under treatment at the Bekasi Regional Public Hospital.