The investigation into the collision between the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a Commuter Line KRL at East Bekasi Station has entered a formal stage, led by the Security and State Defense Sub-directorate of the Jakarta Metro Police’s General Criminal Investigation Directorate.
Jakarta Metro Police spokesperson Commissioner Budi Hermanto confirmed that investigators have moved beyond preliminary actions. These initial steps included processing the crime scene, securing physical evidence, and conducting a thorough analysis of CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
“Regarding the train collision in East Bekasi, the case is now under formal investigation by the Security and State Defense Sub-directorate of the Jakarta Metro Police,” Budi stated on Sunday, May 3. He further explained that investigators have conducted site inspections, coordinated with local hospitals regarding victim reports, requested forensic medical examinations, and interviewed relevant witnesses.
31 Witnesses Questioned
To date, authorities have questioned 31 individuals, including the complainant, the taxi driver involved, railroad crossing guards, witnesses at the scene, victims, PT KAI operational staff, and other parties with direct knowledge of the incident.
The investigation is set to expand significantly this coming Monday as police prepare to summon representatives from various government agencies. “Investigators will seek statements from the Spatial Planning Agency, the Public Works Agency, Green Taxi management, and the Directorate General of Railways. This is essential to gain a comprehensive and objective overview of the incident,” Budi added.
NTSC Investigates Potential Signal Failure
Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) continues its rigorous investigation into the collision’s origins, with a primary focus on the signaling system.
“Since the night of the incident, the NTSC has deployed five railway investigators. The chairman has also been actively monitoring developments on the ground,” said NTSC spokesperson Arif on Thursday, April 30. He noted that there is no significant information yet to be released to the public as the inquiry remains ongoing.
Machinist Raises Concerns Over Signals
The machinist of the Argo Bromo Anggrek, Nofiandi, expressed shock following the incident. In a statement shared on the YouTube channel Trainspotter ID, he pointed toward a possible signal malfunction occurring moments before the collision. “I received information from the control center, but before I could fully acknowledge it, the signal had already turned red,” he explained.
Official Stance from Taxi Operators
Green SM, the taxi operator involved in the incident, has expressed its deepest condolences to the victims and their families. In an Instagram post on April 28, the company emphasized that it is cooperating fully with authorities. “Green SM is coordinating with relevant agencies by providing all necessary information to support the investigation,” the statement read.
The taxi involved was an electric vehicle manufactured by VinFast. Addressing the mechanical aspect of the incident, VinFast Indonesia CEO Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto stated, “The investigation into the specific unit involved is still underway. We have not yet received the final report, so we cannot provide further comments at this time.”
Summary
The Jakarta Metro Police have officially launched an investigation into the collision between the Argo Bromo Anggrek and a Commuter Line train at East Bekasi Station. Authorities have already questioned 31 witnesses, including PT KAI staff and those present at the scene, and are preparing to summon representatives from various government agencies to ensure a comprehensive inquiry. The investigation includes processing physical evidence, analyzing CCTV footage, and coordinating with medical and transportation experts.
Simultaneously, the National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) is focusing its efforts on a potential signaling system failure, an issue also noted by the Argo Bromo Anggrek machinist. While the taxi operator involved is fully cooperating with the authorities, the manufacturer of the involved vehicle has not yet released a final technical report. Both investigations remain ongoing as officials work to determine the exact cause of the incident.