RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The collision between an intercity train (KAJJ) and a Commuter Line train at Bekasi Timur Railway Station in West Java has raised serious concerns about transportation safety. The incident serves as a warning to all stakeholders on the need to strengthen accident-prevention systems at railroad crossings.

The Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) has urged the comprehensive implementation of the 3E principles: engineering, enforcement, and education, as a systematic approach to improving safety.

MTI Advisory Board member Djoko Setijowarno explained that the public often underestimates the impact of accidents at railroad crossings. “This accident serves as a reminder that problems at railroad crossings can lead to train accidents as well,” Djoko said in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that the exact cause is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT). “This is the first time such a tragic incident has occurred in Indonesia,” he said.

Djoko emphasized that the incident should serve as momentum to strengthen the 3E principles. Law enforcement and safety education, particularly at railroad crossings, need to be intensified from an early age.

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, operators, and the public to build collective awareness. Inter-agency cooperation is considered crucial to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Meanwhile, state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) confirmed that all 240 passengers on the Argo Bromo Anggrek train were safely evacuated. Rescue operations focused on passengers from the Commuter Line train, with preliminary data indicating 14 fatalities and 84 injuries.

All victims have been transported to hospitals in Bekasi for medical treatment. The evacuation and emergency response were carried out in coordination with the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and medical teams to ensure prompt assistance. ***