Transportation Minister Calls for Enhanced Bus Safety Measures

Urgent Action Following Fatal Accident

In response to a tragic bus accident on the Krapyak toll road that claimed 16 lives, Indonesian Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has issued an urgent reminder to bus operators about the critical importance of maintaining vehicle safety during the upcoming New Year holiday period of 2025/2026. The minister's statement comes as the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) launches a comprehensive investigation into the crash involving a PO Cahaya Trans bus that overturned in Semarang.

Key Safety Focus Areas

The minister highlighted two primary areas of focus for ensuring transportation safety: vehicle roadworthiness and driver fitness. Dudy stressed that both aspects are crucial in preventing similar accidents during the peak travel season. He has instructed Director General of Land Transportation Aan Suhanan to convene all relevant stakeholders in the land transportation sector, particularly bus operators, to ensure comprehensive operational readiness for the Nataru period.

Investigation and Accountability

The government is taking a multi-faceted approach to understanding the causes of the recent accident. While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary indications suggest that factors such as vehicle condition and driver capability will be thoroughly examined. The ministry will work closely with regulatory bodies to implement necessary preventive measures based on the investigation's findings.

Proactive Safety Measures

In addition to the immediate investigation, the Transportation Ministry is taking proactive steps to enhance safety across the transportation sector. The minister emphasized that maintaining vehicle roadworthiness is not sufficient on its own; ensuring that drivers are fit to operate their vehicles is equally critical. This comprehensive approach aims to address multiple potential risk factors simultaneously, creating a safer transportation environment for the public during the holiday period.