Transportation expert Djoko Setijowarno has responded to a proposal from the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, regarding the relocation of women-only train carriages to the center of train sets. According to Djoko, this suggestion requires further, careful evaluation.
“It needs to be reviewed,” Djoko told kumparanWOMAN on Tuesday (April 28).
Djoko argues that the root cause of accidents, such as the collision between the Argo Bromo train and a KRL commuter line, does not lie in carriage placement. Instead, he highlights more fundamental issues that must be addressed, primarily the separation of tracks for long-distance trains and KRL commuter lines.
“Operational track separation should be the top priority. KRL and intercity trains have fundamentally different characteristics. As long as full separation has not been achieved, the management of speed and headway between trains must provide an adequate safety margin,” he explained.
Beyond track separation, Djoko emphasizes the urgent need to accelerate the elimination of level crossings in high-traffic corridors. He warns that the high frequency of train travel poses a significant risk of causing vehicle queues and accidents.
“Given the current low level of road user discipline, the risk of traffic violations and accidents continues to rise. Therefore, the construction of grade-separated crossings, such as underpasses and overpasses, must become a priority,” he added.
Furthermore, Djoko advocates for strengthened spatial planning along railway lines and a comprehensive evaluation of the safety systems currently implemented by the state railway operator, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), in coordination with regulators.
Regarding the specific proposal for carriage relocation, Djoko believes the existing placement is already effective. “It is currently at its most effective state. Moving them to the center would cause confusion, as the necessary signage is not designed for such a layout,” he stated.
The proposal from Minister Arifah Fauzi had suggested moving women-only carriages to the middle of the train, while general carriages accessible to male passengers would be shifted to the ends of the train sets.
As of now, the death toll from the recent accident has reached 15, according to the Head of Medical and Health Affairs (Kabiddokkes) of the Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Martinus Ginting. Additionally, 84 others have sustained injuries from the incident.
Read also: Minister of PPPA: Women’s Carriages Should Ideally Be in the Middle, Men’s at the Ends
Summary
Transportation observer Djoko Setijowarno has suggested that the proposal by Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi to move women-only train carriages to the middle of the train set should be reconsidered, as the current positioning is already effective. He argues that such a change could confuse passengers, especially since existing signage is not designed to accommodate a new layout.
Furthermore, Djoko emphasized that the government should prioritize addressing fundamental issues, such as separating long-distance and commuter rail lines and eliminating level crossings to improve safety. He stressed that focusing on operational systems and infrastructure is far more critical for minimizing accident risks than simply rearranging carriage positions.