RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Mass transportation safety has come under renewed scrutiny following the fatal train accident in Bekasi. The Indonesian Ombudsman stressed that the issue cannot be treated as an isolated case.

Ombudsman Member Robert Na Endi Jaweng emphasized the need for systemic solutions in public transportation services, warning that partial measures are insufficient to address complex safety risks.

“Operators should not only focus on smooth operations. User safety must be the top priority,” Robert said on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. He expressed concern over the Bekasi train collision, which left passengers dead and injured, calling it an indicator of deeper systemic problems rather than a mere technical mishap.

As a basic public service, public transportation must guarantee safety and accountability. “This incident must serve as the basis for a comprehensive evaluation of public services,” he added.

Robert highlighted the potential for maladministration in transportation governance, ranging from procedural negligence to weak risk mitigation. He noted that coordination among operators remains suboptimal and warned that safety standards may have been neglected, allowing recurring risks to persist.

The Ombudsman pledged to oversee the handling of the incident to ensure victims’ rights are upheld, including prompt medical treatment and fair compensation. He stressed that information must be conveyed transparently, as the public has the right to know the results of evaluations.

Corrective measures, he said, must be clear and measurable. A comprehensive audit of the transportation system is needed, covering operational controls and emergency response. “Supervision must not stop at resolving incidents,” Robert stated.

He underscored the importance of system reform, with users placed at the center of services. Strengthening technology, human resources, transparency, and complaint mechanisms is crucial to maintaining accountability. Public trust, he said, can only be restored through the state’s active presence.

Effective oversight is key. Robert emphasized that the tragedy must be a turning point, not simply a forgotten event. “The Indonesian Ombudsman is committed to safeguarding public safety,” he said. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)