Fake Ambulance Used to Transport Mudik Travellers on Malangbong Route Seized by Garut Police Traffic Unit
The Traffic Unit (Sat Lantas) of Garut Police Resort has taken firm action against a unit of ambulance caught misusing its function on the mudik route in Malangbong, Garut Regency, West Java. Rather than carrying emergency patients, the ambulance was used to transport mudik travellers along with household items and even a motorcycle.
The apprehension was carried out by the Left Congestion Relief Team while managing mudik traffic flow towards a resting point on Thursday (19/3). Officers grew suspicious upon seeing two ambulances passing in tandem, escorted by an Elf van behind them.
The Public Relations Head of Garut Police Resort, Ipda Susilo Adi P, explained that the suspicion arose from the convoy of vehicles. The first ambulance was confirmed to be carrying a patient as intended, but the second showed suspicious behaviour.
After stopping and inspecting it on the roadside, officers uncovered a shocking fact. Inside the ambulance cabin, no medical equipment or patients were found; instead, there were several mudik travellers seated among piles of goods such as mattresses, household furniture, and one motorcycle.
In addition to the misuse of function, further checks revealed that the vehicle fell into the “bodong” category, or non-compliant with valid administration.
Garut Police Resort has now secured the vehicle, driver, and passengers for further examination in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Ipda Susilo emphasised that they will not tolerate the misuse of priority vehicles.
“We remind the public not to misuse special vehicles, especially ambulances, for personal interests, particularly during the mudik flow. Because the use of such vehicles endangers safety and disrupts emergency services that should be prioritised for patients in need,” he concluded.
Garut Police Resort will continue to tighten surveillance on medical vehicles across all national arterial routes to ensure the smooth flow of mudik in 2026 remains protected from illegal practices.