Minister ensures aid, assessment for Bekasi train victims

 Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has ensured that all victims of the train collision between the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a commuter line (KRL) in Bekasi, both deceased and injured, will undergo a comprehensive assessment to receive targeted social empowerment programs.

“We will conduct assessments for all of them and provide program support based on their respective needs. Each family has different needs,” Saifullah said while paying respects at the home of Hj. Nuryati, 63, one of the victims, in Kemayoran, Jakarta, 

The incident occurred on Monday at 8:55 p.m. local time, involving Argo Bromo Anggrek train number 4 on the Gambir-Surabaya Pasar Turi route, which collided with a commuter line serving the Kampung Bandan-Cikarang route at Bekasi Timur Station in Bekasi.

According to the latest data, the accident left 16 people dead and 81 others injured.

Saifullah emphasized that the presence of the state through the Ministry of Social Affairs reflects direct instructions from the president to provide attention and support to victims’ families.

During his visit to the bereaved family’s residence on Jalan Utan Panjang, Kemayoran, he said the victim had been the family’s main breadwinner and a social activist active in Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama, as well as a beneficiary of the National Health Insurance program, leaving behind eight children.

“She ran a small food stall that supported the family. We want to ensure that this tragedy does not disrupt the family’s economy, so we will assist them in sustaining the business and, if possible, help it grow,” he said.

Regarding assistance, Saifullah said that in the initial phase, the ministry has distributed Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) in the form of basic necessities, cash aid, and psychosocial support as a gesture of government care, in addition to compensation from Jasa Raharja.

He stressed that the long-term focus remains on economic empowerment programs to enable the heirs to continue the economic independence previously built by the deceased.

“We will provide assistance based on the assessment results. We thank the family for openly sharing their condition, allowing us to follow up and connect them with relevant government programs,” Saifullah Yusuf said.