KNKT Investigates Cause of Bandung Train Collision

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Transportation Safety Committee or KNKT is currently investigating the collision between the Greater Bandung Commuter Line and Turangga Train (KA Turangga) on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in Cicalengka Haurpugur railway at KM 181+700.

"We are currently gathering data and factual information, including the witness statements while waiting on the results of the investigation on the ground. We will conduct a thorough analysis concerning contributing factors to the collision, and coordinate with several relevant parties," said the head of KNKT Soerjanto Tjahjono.

The KNKT investigation team consists of Gusnaedi Rachmanas as the head of the investigation team, Aditya W.S. Yudhistira and Yogi Arisandi as members, and Agis Marson as expert staff. They have decided to investigate for four days from Jan. 5 to 8.

KNKT is conducting an initial investigation to gather the data, according to the head of the data, information, and public relations sub-department of KNKT Anggo Anugoro to Tempo on Saturday.

Anggo also said that further analysis is necessary to reach a conclusion and release a statement on the cause of the train collision.

Citing Antara, Gusnaedi Rachmanas as the head of the investigation team said the data gathering conducted by KNKT is both in physical form such as data logger, or orally through witness statements.

"Data logger from the train, data from the signaling of the train, and witness statements are among the data gathered to conclude [on the cause of the collision]," he said.

After gathering the data, the four-day investigation will need follow-up action. Hence, KNKT will release an immediate recommendation.

"The immediate recommendation is released to anticipate future accidents. While the final report will be released a maximum of a year after the accident," he added.

Meanwhile, the head of the Indonesian Transportation Society or MTI Aditya Dwi Laksana said the collision was a rare thing for the past decade. The cause, he added, could be attributed to the single-track railway in the Cicalengka-Haurpugur route.

"Technically, on a single track, no more than one train is allowed on it, whether coming from the same direction nor the opposite," Aditya said.

He also said other factors such as operating procedure neglect, human error, or the supporting facilities cannot be dismissed as the cause of the train collision.

ADINDA ALYA IZDIHAR  | YOHANES MAHARSO JOHARSOYO | RICKY PRAYOGA

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