Minister PPPA: No intention to disregard passenger safety with KRL car proposal

Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Arifah Fauzi has issued a formal apology and clarification following her proposal to relocate women-only carriages to the center of KRL Commuter train sets. The Minister emphasized that her suggestion was not intended to disregard the safety of other passengers.

Collision Triggers Safety Proposal

The proposal emerged following a tragic collision between a KRL Commuter train and the KA Argo Bromo at Bekasi Timur Station on Monday, April 27, 2026. The accident resulted in casualties, including passengers located in the women-only carriages, which are typically positioned at the ends of the train.

During a visit to RSUD dr. Chasbullah Abdulmadjid in Bekasi on April 28, 2026, Minister Fauzi suggested that male passengers occupy the front and rear positions, while women-only carriages be moved to the middle. She noted that the ends of the train rangkaian carry a higher risk during collisions.

Did You Know? The proposal to move women-only carriages to the center of the train was based on the observation that the front and rear carriages of a train set are more vulnerable during a collision.

Clarification and Victim Support

In a video released via the Ministry’s social media on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the Minister clarified that the safety of all citizens, regardless of gender, remains the primary priority in any policy. She expressed deep empathy for the affected families and apologized to the victims and the general public.

The Ministry of PPPA is currently focusing on ensuring the rights of victims and children who lost parents in the tragedy are not neglected. This includes providing necessary protection and psychological assistance for those experiencing trauma.

Expert Insight: This situation highlights the tension between gender-specific protection measures and universal safety protocols. While the Minister’s proposal sought to mitigate risk for a specific group, it sparked a debate on whether safety should be categorized by gender or addressed through systemic infrastructure improvements that protect all passengers equally.

Future Outlook and Systemic Reform

Minister Fauzi has stated that her suggestion was an initial thought and has not yet been formally discussed or implemented. The government’s immediate priority remains the comprehensive handling of both deceased and injured victims.

Moving forward, there may be a shift in focus toward the overall improvement of public transportation safety systems. Such reforms could be aimed at preventing similar tragedies from recurring, rather than focusing solely on carriage positioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Minister suggest moving the women-only carriages?

The suggestion was made because the Minister believes the front and rear positions of a train have a higher risk during a collision, and some victims of the Bekasi Timur accident were in the women-only carriages located at the ends of the train.

What is the Ministry of PPPA’s current role in the aftermath of the accident?

The Ministry is providing psychological assistance, protection, and support, specifically for children and families who have suffered trauma or lost parents due to the collision.

Has the proposal to change carriage positions been officially adopted?

No. Minister Arifah Fauzi clarified that the proposal was an initial suggestion and has not been discussed further.

Do you believe safety measures in public transport should be universal or tailored to specific passenger groups?

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