tourist bus Accident in east Java Highlights Systemic Safety Failures
Jakarta – A recent tourist bus accident in Batu city, East Java, has once again exposed glaring gaps in transportation safety and government oversight. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, january 8, 2025, involved a bus with plate number DK 7942 GB, whose brake failure triggered a chain reaction of collisions involving 12 vehicles. The crash left 14 victims, including 4 fatalities, 2 critically injured, and 8 with minor injuries.
Investigations revealed that the bus’s registration had expired on April 26, 2020, and its periodic safety test had lapsed on December 15, 2023. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement. Transport observer Djoko Setijowarno warned that such accidents will continue unless the government takes decisive action.
“Fatal accidents like those in Batu City will continue to happen again, if there is no serious intention to break the chain of causes,” said Djoko in an official statement on January 10.
Weak Oversight and Budget Constraints
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Djoko emphasized that the root of the problem lies in inadequate supervision and budget constraints. He pointed out that routine ramp checks at tourist destinations, conducted by the Transportation department and the Regional Transportation Management Agency (BPTD), are essential to curb unlicensed operations. However, these checks are not conducted regularly due to limited funding.
“if ramp checks are done routinely every weekend or long holiday, unlicensed tourist bus operators will undoubtedly be afraid to operate their buses,” Djoko explained.“Currently, ramp checks are not routine, and people do not care about safety, so tourist bus accidents will continue.”
Lax Enforcement and Accountability
Djoko also criticized the lack of accountability for violators. Despite public statements demanding duty, no one has been prosecuted or jailed for operating unlicensed buses.This has created a culture of impunity, were unlicensed operators thrive by offering cheap fares at the expense of safety.
“If there are still violations when the tourist transport permit has expired and is still operating, the businessman and the committee or event organizer will be prosecuted up to court,” Djoko said. “Don’t just say that in the media they have been asked to be held accountable, but in reality, no one has ever been to court and been jailed.”
Budgetary Priorities and Safety
The issue of funding is central to the problem. Djoko highlighted that the Ministry of Transportation’s budget for safety programs has been drastically reduced, while other initiatives, such as the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, receive considerably more funding.“The Ministry of Transportation has conveyed the 2025 budget requirement of IDR 80.63 trillion. Though, it received a 2025 budget ceiling of IDR 24.76 trillion,so there is a difference of IDR 55.87 trillion,” Djoko explained. “Meanwhile, the MBG budget will be IDR 71 trillion for six months.In fact, what the Ministry of Transportation is actually doing is safety and service.”
Key Statistics from the Accident
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Date of Accident | January 8, 2025 |
| location | Batu City, East Java |
| Bus Plate Number | DK 7942 GB |
| Registration expiry | April 26, 2020 |
| Periodic Test Expiry | december 15, 2023 |
| Vehicles Involved | 12 |
| Victims | 14 (4 fatalities, 2 critically injured, 8 with minor injuries) |
Calls for Action
Djoko urged the government to prioritize transportation safety by increasing the budget for safety programs and reinstating the Special Allocation Fund (DAK) for Safety, which was discontinued after five years.
“One form of seriousness in ending these accidents starts from budgeting for safety programs at the Ministry of Transportation. Don’t reduce the safety budget; if necessary, increase it, so that the number of accidents does not increase,” he said.
The Batu City accident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms in Indonesia’s transportation sector. Without stronger oversight, accountability, and adequate funding, such tragedies are likely to recur, putting more lives at risk.
For more insights on transportation safety and accident prevention,explore related stories here.
Tourist Bus Accident in East Java highlights Systemic Safety Failures: An Expert Interview
Jakarta – The recent tourist bus accident in Batu City, East Java, has once again brought Indonesia’s transportation safety issues into sharp focus. On January 8, 2025, a bus with plate number DK 7942 GB suffered brake failure, triggering a chain reaction involving 12 vehicles. The crash resulted in 14 victims, including 4 fatalities, 2 critically injured, and 8 with minor injuries. Investigations revealed that the bus’s registration had expired in April 2020, and its periodic safety test had lapsed in december 2023. To delve deeper into the systemic issues at play, we spoke with Dr. Arif Rahman, a transportation safety expert and professor at the University of Indonesia.
Weak Oversight and Budget Constraints
Senior Editor: dr. Rahman, thank you for joining us. The Batu City accident has raised serious concerns about oversight and funding. What are your thoughts on the current state of transportation safety in Indonesia?
Dr. Arif Rahman: Thank you for having me. The Batu City accident is a tragic reminder of the systemic failures in our transportation sector. One of the key issues is the lack of adequate oversight due to budget constraints. Routine ramp checks, which are essential for ensuring compliance with safety standards, are not conducted regularly. This is largely as of insufficient funding allocated to safety programs. Without consistent enforcement,unlicensed operators continue to operate with impunity,putting lives at risk.
Senior Editor: Djoko Setijowarno mentioned the importance of reinstating the special Allocation Fund (DAK) for Safety. do you believe this would make a notable difference?
dr. arif Rahman: Absolutely. The DAK for Safety was a crucial funding mechanism that supported various safety initiatives, including ramp checks and public awareness campaigns. Its discontinuation has left a significant gap in our ability to enforce safety regulations.Reinstating this fund would provide the necessary resources to conduct regular inspections and improve overall safety standards. Though, it’s not just about funding; it’s also about how effectively these resources are utilized.
Lax Enforcement and Accountability
Senior Editor: Another critical issue highlighted by Djoko is the lack of accountability for violators. Why do you think there is such a culture of impunity in the transportation sector?
Dr. Arif Rahman: The culture of impunity stems from a combination of weak enforcement and a lack of political will to hold violators accountable. Despite numerous accidents and clear violations, we rarely see operators or business owners prosecuted. This sends a message that safety regulations can be ignored without consequences. To break this cycle, we need stricter enforcement and a commitment to prosecuting those who flout the law. this includes not only the operators but also the event organizers who hire unlicensed buses.
Senior Editor: What steps do you think the government should take to address these issues?
Dr. Arif rahman: First and foremost, the government needs to prioritize transportation safety by increasing the budget for safety programs. This includes reinstating the DAK for Safety and ensuring that funds are used effectively. Secondly, there needs to be a concerted effort to improve enforcement. This means conducting regular ramp checks,especially during peak travel periods,and holding violators accountable through legal action. there should be a greater emphasis on public awareness campaigns to educate both operators and passengers about the importance of safety.
Systemic Reforms and Future Outlook
Senior Editor: Looking ahead, what systemic reforms do you believe are necessary to prevent such accidents in the future?
Dr. Arif Rahman: Systemic reforms are essential to address the root causes of these accidents. This includes overhauling the regulatory framework to ensure that safety standards are not only stringent but also consistently enforced. We also need to invest in better infrastructure and technology, such as advanced braking systems and real-time monitoring of vehicle conditions. Additionally, there should be a focus on training and capacity building for transportation officials to improve their ability to enforce regulations. Ultimately, it’s about creating a culture of safety were all stakeholders, from operators to passengers, prioritize safety above all else.
Senior Editor: Thank you, dr. Rahman, for your insights. It’s clear that addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, and we hope that the government will take the necessary steps to prevent future tragedies.
Dr. Arif Rahman: Thank you. I hope that the Batu City accident serves as a wake-up call for all of us to take transportation safety more seriously. Only through collective effort and commitment can we ensure that such tragedies do not recur.
For more insights on transportation safety and accident prevention,explore related stories here.
