PO Cahaya Trans Owner Named Suspect in Deadly Bus Crash
Semarang, Indonesia – The Director and owner of PO Cahaya Trans, Ahmad Warsito, has been named a suspect in connection with the bus crash on December 22, 2025, that killed 16 people on the Krapyak Toll Road in Central Java. The announcement was made by Semarang Police Chief, Commissioner M Syahduddi, during a press conference on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Investigation Reveals Years of Illegal Operation
The investigation revealed that the bus involved in the fatal accident had been operating illegally since 2022, lacking the necessary route permits and operational oversight. According to police, PT Cahaya Wisata Transport, the company owned by Warsito, did not have a permit to operate passenger transport services.
Negligence and Lack of Oversight
Commissioner Syahduddi stated that Warsito was named a suspect due to his negligence in overseeing the operational aspects of his bus company. “The suspect knew that the bus did not have a route permit and was unsupervised, but still gave permission to operate,” Syahduddi explained. He added that company staff had previously reported the bus’s lack of proper permits, yet Warsito authorized its operation anyway.
Safety Violations
The investigation likewise uncovered several safety violations, including the absence of seatbelts on passenger seats, a violation of Permenhub Number 74 of 2021. The driver, Gilang Ihsan Faruq, 22, had not undergone the required recruitment tests, training, or competency assessments. He was reportedly authorized to operate the bus simply because he could park it.
Company-Wide Issues
Of the 12 buses operated by PT Cahaya Wisata Transport, only four possessed the necessary Supervision Cards (KPS) from the Ministry of Transportation. The bus involved in the crash, with license plate B-7201-IV, was among the eight operating without a KPS.
Call for Increased Safety Measures
Police are urging transportation owners and operators to prioritize passenger safety, particularly with the anticipated increase in travel during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr homecoming season. They emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations and standard operating procedures to prevent future tragedies.
“We remind transport owners and public transportation services to strictly comply with applicable regulations, SOPs, laws and regulations,” Syahduddi stated. “Our commitment is to provide a sense of justice to all parties involved in the accident.”
Sources: Detik.com, Media Indonesia, Tribun Jateng, Delik.tv