🔑 Key Takeaways
- The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) reported that 56% of inter-city inter-province (AKAP) bus journeys departing from Type A terminals across Indonesia were found to be in violation of operational and administrative regulations in 2026.
- Violations range from unroadworthy vehicle conditions to incomplete permits and driver misconduct, posing serious risks to passenger safety and comfort.
- Kemenhub is intensifying digital and manual oversight, alongside plans to impose stricter penalties on repeat offenders, aiming to elevate public transportation safety standards.
JAKARTA, 2026 – The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has once again issued a red alert regarding the state of land transportation in Indonesia. A new report released in early 2026 indicates that over half, precisely 56%, of inter-city inter-province (AKAP) bus journeys operating from Type A terminals nationwide are still found to be in serious violation of regulations. This figure reflects an ongoing challenge in ensuring safety and compliance within the public transportation sector.
Data collected by Kemenhub through spontaneous inspections (ramp checks) and systematic monitoring throughout the first quarter of 2026 revealed that these violations vary from unroadworthy vehicle technical conditions to incomplete licensing documents and inadequate driver qualifications. This situation naturally raises significant concerns among public bus users and threatens the industry's overall reputation.
Safety First: Dominant Violations Uncovered
Director General of Land Transportation at Kemenhub, Dr. Ir. Budi Santoso, explained during a virtual press conference last Tuesday (January 14) that the most frequently observed types of violations include:
- Vehicle Technical Conditions: Many buses were found with sub-optimal brakes, worn-out tires beyond limits, malfunctioning lights, and incomplete or damaged emergency safety equipment.
- Permitting Documents: Several operators were caught operating buses with expired route permits, operating outside their designated routes, or even without any permits at all (illegal buses).
- Driver Qualifications: Violations related to drivers include driving licenses (SIM) not matching the category, drivers exceeding safe working hours, and a lack of routine health checks.
- Carrying Capacity: Some cases of overloading are still being reported, especially during long holiday seasons.
“The 56% figure is deeply concerning and is our top priority for 2026. Passenger safety is non-negotiable, and we will not tolerate any violations that endanger lives,” stated Dr. Budi Santoso. He added that enhanced surveillance using AI-powered monitoring technology and CCTV cameras at terminals is one of Kemenhub's key strategies this year.
Industry Impact and Response
The Chairman of the Indonesian Bus Operators Association (APOBI), Mr. Cahyo Utomo, expressed his concern over Kemenhub's findings. “We acknowledge that some of our members have not been fully compliant. However, APOBI continues to educate and encourage all operators to meet safety standards. Rising operational costs often become an excuse, but this is not a justification to ignore safety,” Mr. Cahyo remarked.
APOBI, in collaboration with Kemenhub, launched a driver training program and self-auditing initiative for its members at the end of 2025, which is expected to show positive results in next year's report. This initiative is also supported by subsidies for fleet modernization and the implementation of in-bus monitoring technology.
Enforcement Measures and Prevention
Kemenhub announced it would tighten sanctions for bus operators who repeatedly commit violations. These range from administrative fines and suspension of route permits to permanent revocation of operating licenses. Furthermore, public education campaigns will be intensified to encourage passengers to proactively report any violations they encounter during their journey.
“We invite all segments of society to be Kemenhub's eyes and ears. Report any violations through our newly launched ‘Lapor AKAP’ application. Your information is invaluable in achieving safe and comfortable transportation for all of us,” concluded Dr. Budi Santoso.
With strong government commitment, industry support, and active public participation, it is hoped that this violation rate can be significantly reduced in the coming years, making AKAP bus transportation a safe and trusted option for millions of Indonesians.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the common types of violations found on AKAP buses?
Common violations include unroadworthy vehicle conditions (brakes, tires), incomplete or expired permits, unqualified drivers, and cases of overloading.
2. How can passengers report AKAP bus violations?
Passengers can report violations through Kemenhub's official ‘Lapor AKAP’ application or by contacting Kemenhub's complaint center listed at the terminals.
3. What penalties are imposed on bus operators who commit violations?
Penalties vary from administrative fines and suspension of route permits to permanent revocation of operating licenses for operators who repeatedly or severely violate regulations.
