Four Days Before Eid, Jakarta Transportation Agency Tightens Bus Inspections at Pulo Gebang Terminal
As Eid approaches, specifically four days before the holiday, Jakarta’s Transportation Agency (Dishub DKI) has intensified monitoring of vehicle roadworthiness through ramp checks at Pulo Gebang Integrated Terminal. These inspections are aimed at all buses that will operate during the homecoming season.
“For the implementation of ramp checks, we naturally conduct them at each terminal. At Pulo Gebang Terminal, inspections are continuously tightened, carried out by the Motor Vehicle Testing Management Unit (UP PKB) Ujung Menteng, which inspects all buses that will depart from this integrated terminal,” explained Ujang Harmawan, Deputy Head of Dishub DKI Jakarta, when met at Pulo Gebang Integrated Terminal, East Jakarta, on Tuesday (17 March).
These ramp checks are conducted routinely to ensure that all bus fleets used by homebound travellers are in safe condition and ready to operate. Inspections cover various important vehicle components, such as braking systems, tyre condition, lights, and vehicle administrative documentation.
“This measure is carried out to ensure that buses carrying homebound passengers are truly in safe condition and ready to operate,” added Ujang.
Preliminary inspection results show that there are still some technical notes on several buses. However, these findings are considered reasonable and do not affect the operational worthiness of the vehicles.
Dishub DKI continues to issue notes to bus operators (PO) if deficiencies are found in their vehicles. If a bus’s condition does not meet safety standards, operators are asked to immediately carry out repairs or even replace the fleet that will be used.
“If, for example, there are many notes and the deficiencies are quite significant, we ask the PO or bus owner to exchange their vehicle with one that is more ready so that it can transport passengers safely and comfortably to their destination,” explained Ujang.
Pulo Gebang Integrated Terminal itself is known as Jakarta’s largest bus terminal and is one of the main departure points for homebound travellers heading to various regions on Java and Sumatra. As Eid approaches, activity at the terminal increases as the number of passengers grows.
With routine vehicle inspections, Dishub DKI hopes that all bus fleets operating during the homecoming season meet safety standards. The goal is to minimise the risk of road accidents and ensure that the journey of homebound passengers is safe and comfortable until they arrive at their hometowns. The peak surge in passengers is estimated to occur on Saturday (20 December), with a projected nearly 5,000 passengers per day at Pulo Gebang Integrated Terminal. Beyond facilities for homebound passengers, aspects of safety and health for drivers are also a primary concern.