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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Energy & Infrastructure

FBR Denies Controlling Bekasi Railway Crossing Where Fatal Accident Occurred

From Tempo · (10m ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A community group, Forum Betawi Rempug (FBR), denies controlling a railway crossing in Bekasi Timur where a fatal accident occurred.
  • FBR claims its members were only voluntarily assisting with traffic control at the officially opened crossing, and were not present during the crash.
  • Local officials are considering a long-term plan for an overpass to replace the dangerous, unofficial crossing, which is frequently congested.

The Forum Betawi Rempug (FBR) has firmly denied any wrongdoing or control over the Ampera railway crossing in Bekasi Timur, the site of a tragic accident involving the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a KRL.

Jadi warga setempat tidak terlibat

— Lutfi HakimFBR Chairman Lutfi Hakim denying initial community involvement in managing the crossing.

According to FBR Chairman Lutfi Hakim, the crossing was officially opened by local authorities, and residents, not FBR members, were initially involved. He stated that FBR's involvement was purely voluntary, assisting with traffic oversight in cooperation with local residents. Hakim clarified that no FBR members were on duty at the time of the accident, attributing the presence of a civilian named Yakin to chance. The organization also asserted it has never obstructed efforts to install automatic barriers, emphasizing safety for all.

Hanya ada seorang warga cukup umur bernama Yakin dan dia bukan anggota FBR

— Lutfi HakimFBR Chairman Lutfi Hakim explaining that a civilian, not an FBR member, was present at the crossing during the accident.

This incident highlights a recurring issue in Indonesia where community organizations sometimes step in to manage public infrastructure, especially in areas lacking official oversight. While FBR claims a supportive role, the Governor of West Java, Dedy Mulyadi, has voiced strong opposition to any community or "premanisme" (thuggery) controlling public assets. His statement reflects a broader governmental push to professionalize and formalize public services, moving away from informal management structures that can lead to such dangerous situations.

Apalagi itu demi kebaikan bersama

— Lutfi HakimFBR Chairman Lutfi Hakim stating the organization's support for installing automatic barriers for the common good.

The Bekasi city government acknowledges the severity of the problem, with plans for a flyover already in the long-term development pipeline. However, the significant funding required for land acquisition and construction underscores the challenges in upgrading infrastructure to meet the demands of increasing traffic. The current situation at the Ampera crossing, with its narrow width, frequent congestion, and high train frequency, is a stark reminder of the urgent need for these infrastructure improvements, a concern deeply felt by local commuters.

Tidak boleh lagi ada ormas, ada premanisme yang menguasai aset-aset umum untuk kepentingan dirinya

— Dedy MulyadiGovernor of West Java Dedy Mulyadi expressing his stance against community organizations or thugs controlling public assets.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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