Slamet Suradio, the train driver who survived the collision in the 1987 Bintaro Tragedy, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

The man, known as one of the living witnesses to Indonesia’s deadliest train accident, died at the age of 87.

The sad news was conveyed by the family. Slamet died while receiving care at the home of one of his children in the Bekasi area after his health declined due to old age.

“Yes, he was ill because of old age. He died early this morning around 1:00 AM Western Indonesian Time. He passed away at his sibling’s place,” said his youngest child, Safitri.

The body was then transported by land to his hometown in Dusun Krajan, Gintungan Village, Gebang District, Purworejo Regency, Central Java.

Upon arrival at the funeral home around 1:30 PM Western Indonesian Time, family and relatives welcomed him with a somber atmosphere.

Safitri said she received news of her father’s death from a neighbor. She appeared unable to hold back her grief during the burial process.

“I found out (father died) from this neighbor. He is being buried here,” she said.

After the funeral prayer, Slamet’s body was buried in the cemetery of his hometown.

Slamet Suradio was the driver of train 225 on the Rangkasbitung-Tanah Abang route, which was involved in the accident in the Pondok Betung area, Bintaro, on October 19, 1987.

The train he drove collided with train 220 Patas Merak in an incident later known as the 1987 Bintaro Tragedy.

The accident is recorded as one of the biggest railway tragedies in Indonesia.

The incident, triggered by a communication error regarding train crossings, caused more than 130 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Bintaro

Bintaro is a suburban area located in South Tangerang, Indonesia, originally developed in the 1980s as a planned residential estate by PT Bintaro Jaya. It was built on former rubber and coconut plantations, evolving into a key satellite city for Jakarta with modern housing, schools, and commercial centers. Its growth reflects the expansion of Greater Jakarta, blending contemporary urban living with preserved green spaces.

Bekasi

Bekasi is a city in West Java, Indonesia, located east of Jakarta. Historically, it was part of the Tarumanagara Kingdom and later the Sunda Kingdom, and it played a role in the struggle for Indonesian independence, notably as the site of the 1946 Battle of Bekasi. Today, it has grown into a major industrial and residential satellite city, known for its rapid urbanization and commuter population.

Dusun Krajan

Dusun Krajan is a traditional Javanese village located in the Yogyakarta region of Indonesia, known for preserving authentic rural culture and customs. Historically, it has been a settlement for generations of local farmers and artisans, maintaining ancient practices in agriculture, batik-making, and communal living. Today, the village serves as a cultural tourism destination where visitors can experience traditional Javanese architecture, daily life, and ceremonies passed down through centuries.

Gintungan Village

Gintungan Village is a traditional Javanese settlement located in the Klaten Regency of Central Java, Indonesia, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The village is particularly famous for its ancient mosque, Masjid Gintungan, which dates back to the 16th century and features a distinctive three-tiered roof, reflecting the blend of Hindu-Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles. Surrounded by scenic rice fields and rooted in agrarian traditions, Gintungan offers a glimpse into the region’s enduring history and local customs.

Gebang District

Gebang District is a historic area in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, best known for the Candi Gebang, a small Hindu temple dating back to the 8th century during the Mataram Kingdom era. The temple was rediscovered in 1936 beneath a banyan tree and features intricate carvings, including a prominent statue of Ganesha. Today, the district serves as a quiet cultural site that offers insight into early Javanese Hindu architecture and history.

Purworejo Regency

Purworejo Regency, located in Central Java, Indonesia, has a history rooted in the Mataram Sultanate era before being established as a separate regency in 1830 following the Java War. It is known for its cultural heritage, including traditional arts like *jathilan* dance and historical landmarks such as the Purworejo Cathedral. Today, the regency blends Javanese traditions with modern development, serving as a serene destination for cultural exploration.

Central Java

Central Java is a province in Indonesia known for its rich cultural heritage, including the iconic Buddhist temple Borobudur and the Hindu temple complex Prambanan, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Historically, it was the heart of powerful ancient kingdoms like Mataram and later a center of Islamic sultanates, with the city of Yogyakarta serving as a key cultural and political hub. Today, Central Java remains a vibrant region blending Javanese traditions, batik artistry, and historical landmarks.

Pondok Betung

Pondok Betung is a subdistrict located in South Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, known for its historical role as a transit point during the Dutch colonial era. The area was originally a rest stop (pondok) for travelers and traders, and its name “Betung” refers to a type of bamboo that once grew abundantly there. Today, it is a densely populated residential and commercial area, reflecting the rapid urbanization of the Greater Jakarta region.