Fifty-four intercity buses at Pulo Gebang Integrated Terminal, East Jakarta, were found unroadworthy during a recent ramp check operation.

Ujung Menteng Motor Vehicle Testing Unit Head, Anton R. Parura, said the ramp checks will run from March 9 through March 29, 2026.

"In the first four days, five buses failed the ramp check and 54 others were deemed unfit, as the majority had shortcomings in their supporting technical components," he noted, Friday (3/13).

Despite failing the inspection, the fleet remains operational as the deficiencies are not related to major technical components that directly affect safety.

"Indeed, most of those we inspected did not pass. However, they can still operate because the reasons for failure involve supporting elements rather than primary ones," he explained.

Anton noted that the ramp check covers two main aspects: administration and vehicle technical specifications. It is categorized into primary and supporting technical factors.

For the primary technical factors, inspectors examine the braking system, lighting—including brake lights and turn signals—tires, vehicle body, speedometer, and wipers. Meanwhile, supporting technical factors include equipment such as a jack, emergency glass-breaking hammer, portable fire extinguisher, flashlight, and first-aid kit.

"We demand that these supporting requirements be fulfilled before use," he remarked.

Ujung Menteng Motor Vehicle Testing Unit Service Executing Unit Head, Rahman Supandi added, the ramp check involves four mechanical inspectors working in collaboration with the terminal management, East Jakarta Transportation Sub-agency, and Jakarta Transportation Agency.

"This ramp check is conducted daily from 8 AM to 8 PM," he said.

He noted that common reasons for failure were emergency exits blocked by seats, faulty driver doors, expired fire extinguishers, retreaded rear tires, and rusted front doors.

"Other issues included faulty driver seatbelts, rusted bodywork, broken taillight lenses, non-functional headlights, cracked windshields, and missing glass-breaking hammers," he added.

He stated that his unit is only responsible for vehicle technical inspections, while further enforcement falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the terminal management and the Transportation Agency.

"As for enforcement, we leave it to the terminal authorities and the Transportation Agency. Our role is strictly to conduct the inspections and report the findings to them," he added.

Then, Pulo Gebang Terminal Management Unit Head, Christianto admitted, many bus fleets have not yet met the supporting technical requirements. Consequently, he has urged bus operators (PO) to immediately address these deficiencies before the vehicles are used to transport homebound travelers.

Fleets with severe defects, such as faulty brakes, bald tires, or non-functional headlights, will not be cleared for operation to ensure the safety of holiday travelers

"Operators must rectify any shortcomings. But, for major technical issues, we have zero tolerance. Those buses are barred from service, and the companies must replace them with roadworthy units," he stated firmly.