Transjakarta Apologises After Viral Video Shows Homeless Man Removed from Bus Over Odour Complaint

Transjakarta has apologised after a video showing a passenger being asked to get off a bus at the Kampung Melayu stop in East Jakarta went viral on social media. The footage, which circulated on Tuesday (4/8/2026), shows a passenger seated at the back of a Transjakarta bus. The post accompanying the video claimed the incident occurred because of complaints from other passengers about a very pungent smell.

Ayu Wardhani, Head of Public Relations and CSR at Transjakarta, expressed regret over the discomfort caused by the incident and issued an apology. “In response to the video circulating on social media, we sincerely apologise for the discomfort experienced by the passenger,” Ayu said in a statement on Tuesday (4/8/2026).

Ayu explained that field officers acted after other passengers complained about a very strong odour inside the bus. She said officers approached the individual, who subsequently disembarked. “Our officers acted on the ground based on reports from other passengers at the scene, due to the very pungent smell. We approached the passenger in question until he eventually got off the bus,” she said.

She confirmed the passenger was a homeless person. Transjakarta has since coordinated with the Jakarta Social Services to ensure the individual receives proper care. “From the information we have gathered, the passenger was homeless. As a gesture of concern, we have also coordinated with the Social Services regarding the individual’s whereabouts, so that appropriate handling and assistance can be provided,” she stated.

Ayu added that Transjakarta is conducting an evaluation of the incident and remains committed to improving its services. “This incident serves as a deep evaluation for us. Transjakarta is committed to continuously improving our standard operating procedures and training our officers’ sensitivity, so that our service not only maintains public comfort but also always prioritises a sense of humanity,” she explained.