Indonesia Probes Fatal Sumatra Bus Crash After Permit Violations Found

RRI.CO.ID, Muratara - Indonesian transport authorities are investigating a fatal crash in South Sumatra involving an Antar Lintas Sumatera (ALS) bus and a fuel tanker truck that killed 16 people. The collision occurred on Wednesday on the Trans-Sumatra highway in Muratara Regency.

Based on the release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia in Jakarta, Thursday, 8 May 2026. Director General of Land Transportation, Aan Suhanan, visited the crash site and inspected the vehicles involved. He said authorities found the ALS bus had been operating without a valid permit since November 4, 2020.

“We extend our condolences over the accident that claimed many lives on the Trans-Sumatra road,” Aan said during his visit on Thursday night. He added that the vehicle’s electronic roadworthiness certificate remained valid until May 11, 2026.

Aan said the bus company could face serious violations under Indonesia’s transport regulations. Alleged offenses include operating with expired permits, falsifying travel documents, and negligence that resulted in fatalities.

Investigators also discovered discrepancies in the vehicle identification number, raising suspicions of falsified registration plates. Authorities said a full compliance audit of the operator would be conducted before sanctions are imposed.

Based on current findings, the company could face administrative penalties ranging from a six-month permit suspension to a full revocation of its public transport license. Officials said further verification is still underway.

Before the crash, the bus reportedly departed Batay Type A Terminal in Lahat bound for Medan with 10 passengers listed on its manifest. It later left Lubuklinggau Terminal at 10:00 a.m. local time carrying 18 people, including 14 passengers and four crew members.

The accident left 16 people dead, including 11 passengers, three bus crew members, and two tanker crew members, while four others were injured. Authorities said the final cause of the crash will be determined by the National Transportation Safety Committee and the national police investigation.