Indonesian Lawmaker Questions Women-Only Carriage Effectiveness for KRL Safety

From Jakarta, Republika.co.id reports on a statement by Indonesian House of Representatives member Derta Rohidin concerning the safety of public transportation, specifically the KRL commuter train system. Rohidin addressed a proposal by the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection to evaluate the implementation of women-only carriages.

While acknowledging the proposal's intent to protect women from harassment in public spaces, Rohidin stressed that this measure does not tackle the core issues plaguing the railway system. He pointed out that train accidents are primarily caused by systemic problems, including operational management, signaling, communication, infrastructure quality, and technological control, rather than solely by the presence or absence of specific carriage types.

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Public transport safety is a shared responsibility that cannot be simplified to just one aspect. We certainly support the protection of women, but policies must be on target and based on the root of the problem.

Rohidin's perspective, as reported by Republika, emphasizes a need for a more holistic approach to public transport safety. He advocates for a thorough audit of the entire railway system and enhanced training for personnel. The article frames his argument as a call for policies that address the fundamental causes of accidents, rather than symbolic gestures. This viewpoint reflects a common concern in Indonesia regarding the efficacy and thoroughness of public policy implementation, particularly when safety is at stake.

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Don't let our energy be spent on solutions that seem quick but don't solve fundamental problems.