Malang, E Java (ANTARA) - Indonesian police said nearly 300 tourist jeeps operating on Mount Bromo routes in Malang, East Java, have secured safety insurance after passing vehicle inspections, as authorities step up precautions ahead of the year-end holiday rush.
Malang police confirmed on Saturday that 298 jeeps had completed ramp checks and obtained insurance, with any deficiencies flagged by transport officials required to be fixed before coverage was issued.
Traffic police conducted the inspections jointly with the Malang transportation agency, focusing on roadworthiness standards for vehicles operating along the mountainous Bromo tourism corridor.
Authorities said mandatory insurance was introduced after officials acknowledged persistent accident risks along steep and winding routes, aiming to protect both drivers and tourists.
Insurance premiums are calculated by seating capacity, as tourist jeeps cannot be reclassified as public transport, police said.
Coverage costs Rp36,000 per seat annually and is provided through state insurer Jasa Raharja Putera, separate from vehicle registration requirements.
Police plan additional inspections ahead of Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 holidays, checking brakes, lights and other critical components.
Vehicles failing to meet standards will be ordered off the route until repairs are completed, police said.
Separately, Malang police intensified safety campaigns along the Bromo route by installing dozens of warning banners ahead of the holiday period.
Local traffic police chief Muhammad Chelvin Alif said banners were placed from the Gubukklakah rest area in Poncokusumo to Coban Trisula.
The mountainous route features sharp climbs, steep descents and frequent fog, requiring special handling during peak tourism seasons, he said. Messages urge drivers to check brakes, observe speed limits, watch weather conditions and ensure vehicles are fit for travel.
Police said visual warnings help reach motorists passing remote stretches without officers present. Additional measures include new traffic signs, convex mirrors and extra posts at Gubukklakah, Singosari and the West Ring Road.
Police urged holiday travelers, particularly automatic-transmission drivers, to remain focused as traffic to Mount Bromo typically surges at year end.
Officials said preparations aim to keep tourism flows orderly while reducing accident risks during one of the busiest travel periods nationwide this year.
