Observer: Mikrotrans Drivers Dominated by Ex-Angkot Operators, Strict Supervision Key to Safety

Transport observer Darmaningtyas assesses that the majority of Mikrotrans drivers come from angkot drivers who have gone through a selection and training process before serving.

Even so, their basic character is still influenced by angkot driving culture, so the implementation of operational standards is key to shaping more disciplined driving behaviour.

According to Darmaningtyas, every prospective Mikrotrans driver is required to undergo selection and training for one to two weeks before being allowed to operate. In that training, they are introduced to the minimum service standards (SPM) as well as the operational procedures applicable at Transjakarta.

“The majority of Mikrotrans drivers are indeed former angkot drivers. They go through selection and training for one to two weeks. Their basic character is still that of angkot drivers, but it is then shaped through Transjakarta’s SOP and SPM. If they drive recklessly, there are consequences in the form of fines and sanctions,” said Darmaningtyas when contacted by Media Indonesia on Wednesday (5/8).

He explained that the driving discipline of the drivers is essentially shaped through the supervision and rule enforcement system implemented by the operator. Therefore, compliance with the SOP must continue to be strengthened so that dangerous driving behaviour can be minimised.

On the other hand, Darmaningtyas revealed that efforts to recruit truly new Mikrotrans drivers, without a background as angkot drivers, still face major obstacles. Public interest in becoming public transport drivers is considered very low.

“From a need of around one thousand drivers, recruitment from 2025 until now has not even reached 100 people passing. This means it is indeed not easy to get new Mikrotrans drivers,” he said.