Two TransJakarta Drivers Under Investigation After Head-On Collision on Elevated 'Sky Route'

Two TransJakarta corridor 13 bus drivers have been taken into police custody after an accident on the elevated busway — commonly known as the ‘sky route’ — near the Cipulir area of Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta.

Both drivers are currently undergoing examination by investigators.

“The two drivers have been secured at the Traffic Law Enforcement Sub-directorate in Pancoran,” Jakarta Metropolitan Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto told reporters on Tuesday (24 January).

According to Budi, the case potentially warrants the application of Article 310(2) of the Traffic and Road Transport Act (LLAJ). The article governs negligence resulting in accidents causing minor injuries, carrying a maximum penalty of one year’s imprisonment.

“The suspects may be charged under Article 310(2) of the Traffic and Road Transport Act for negligence causing an accident resulting in minor injuries, with a maximum sentence of one year’s imprisonment,” Budi said.

He added that the article could be applied if negligence is proven, including the allegation that one driver fell asleep whilst driving. The investigation is still ongoing.

“That is correct. The examination process is still underway,” Budi said when asked whether the charges could be applied to the driver with the initial Y, who reportedly fell asleep.

The incident involved two TransJakarta bus units on the elevated route and left dozens of passengers with injuries.

Head of the Traffic Law Enforcement Sub-directorate at Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Senior Adjunct Commissioner Ojo Ruslani, explained that the accident occurred at approximately 07.15 Western Indonesian Time on Monday (23 February).

The incident involved a TransJakarta Bianglala bus driven by a man identified as Y, travelling from Kebayoran Lama towards Cipulir, and a TransJakarta Mayasari Bakti bus driven by A, heading in the opposite direction.

Based on preliminary examination, the driver identified as Y admitted to falling asleep at the wheel. As a result, his bus lost control and veered into the oncoming lane.

“Y admitted to falling asleep whilst driving, causing his vehicle to cross into the opposing lane, resulting in a head-on collision,” Ojo said in a statement on Monday.