Woman gives birth aboard commuter train in Indonesia

A heavily pregnant woman gave birth aboard a commuter train travelling on Indonesia's Rangkasbitung-Tanah Abang route on Thursday, 24 September, after experiencing contractions during the journey.

The woman was travelling on Commuter Line No. 1689, also known as the Green Line, when she began showing signs that she was about to give birth at about 10.55 a.m. local time, according to KAI Commuter Public Relations Manager Leza Arlan.

She had been sitting in a priority seat when she began experiencing contractions, Leza said.

Railway security personnel aboard the train then coordinated with the driver and staff at Rawabuntu Station to arrange emergency assistance.

Train stopped at Rawabuntu Station

The train was temporarily stopped at Rawabuntu Station while the delivery took place.

"During the delivery process, Commuter Line No. 1689 was temporarily stopped at Rawabuntu Station," Leza said, as quoted by Kompas.com on Thursday.

Health personnel at Rawabuntu Station assisted with the delivery, with help from other passengers. The baby was born safely.

Following the delivery, the mother and baby were taken to Rawabuntu Community Health Centre, or Puskesmas Rawabuntu, for further medical treatment.

"Next, the mother and child were taken to Puskesmas Rawabuntu for further treatment," Leza added.

KAI Commuter urges passengers to seek help

The incident subsequently circulated on social media after it was posted by Threads account @imankaka. Video footage showed railway staff assisting a passenger in a priority seat after she experienced sudden contractions, continuing until the delivery was completed.

KAI Commuter urged passengers not to hesitate to contact staff at stations or aboard trains if they require assistance.

The company said its personnel would remain ready to provide assistance and service to passengers.

"Always prioritise health, comfort and safety when using the Commuter Line," Leza said.

For pregnant passengers, he advised them to monitor their estimated due date, known in Indonesia as the Hari Perkiraan Lahir (HPL), and to remain alert and reduce activities in public areas as the expected delivery date approaches.