PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has reaffirmed that passenger safety remains its absolute, non-negotiable priority. During a press conference at Bekasi Timur Station on Wednesday (April 29), KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin emphasized that the company ensures the safety and security of all passengers equally, regardless of gender.
“For us, there is absolutely zero tolerance for compromising safety. We do not distinguish between male and female passengers; safety is our number one priority,” Bobby stated firmly.
This statement was made in response to inquiries regarding the placement of women-only carriages, which are currently positioned at the very front and rear of the train sets. The discussion follows a proposal by the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, who suggested relocating these carriages to the center of the train. The recommendation arose after a tragic collision on Monday (April 27), when the Argo Bromo Anggrek train struck the rear carriage of a Cikarang-bound KRL commuter train.
The accident resulted in 15 fatalities and left 91 others injured. All deceased passengers have been identified and returned to their families for burial.
The Strategy Behind Women-Only Carriages
Addressing the logistics of carriage placement, Bobby explained that the segregation of female passengers is not based on technical safety risks. Instead, he clarified that the policy is strictly intended to enhance the quality of public service.
Three Primary Reasons for Current Placement
In the wake of the accident and the subsequent evaluation of safety protocols, KAI has outlined three core reasons for maintaining the current positioning of women-only carriages at the ends of the trains.
“We have implemented this separation based on several key aspects,” Bobby explained. “The first is to prevent harassment. The second is to provide easier access for female passengers. The third is to offer enhanced security, as these locations are positioned closer to the train staff stationed at either end of the carriage.”
Summary
Direktur Utama KAI, Bobby Rasyidin, menegaskan bahwa keselamatan seluruh penumpang adalah prioritas utama tanpa membedakan gender. Pernyataan ini disampaikan menanggapi usulan pemindahan gerbong khusus wanita ke bagian tengah rangkaian kereta pasca insiden kecelakaan di Stasiun Bekasi Timur yang menelan korban jiwa. KAI memastikan bahwa standar keamanan tetap dijalankan secara ketat bagi setiap penumpang tanpa kompromi.
KAI menjelaskan bahwa posisi gerbong khusus wanita di bagian depan dan belakang kereta didasarkan pada pertimbangan kualitas pelayanan, bukan risiko teknis. Kebijakan ini diterapkan untuk mencegah pelecehan, memberikan kemudahan akses, serta meningkatkan keamanan karena posisi tersebut lebih dekat dengan petugas operasional di ujung kereta. Langkah ini tetap dipertahankan guna mengoptimalkan kenyamanan dan perlindungan bagi penumpang wanita.