BLITAR – A urine test for bus drivers began at Kesamben Terminal as authorities in Blitar tightened transport safety measures ahead of the Eid homecoming season.
A joint inspection team checked public transport vehicles and selected bus crews for random drug screening as part of efforts to reduce travel risks during one of the country’s busiest annual travel periods.
Wahjudi Santoso, head of the local narcotics agency, said officers tested 10 drivers and crew members during the operation at the terminal.
“We carried out urine tests on 10 people randomly, and all results came back negative. The inspection ran from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.,” he said while monitoring the activity.
The screening aimed to ensure that drivers remain free from narcotics before operating passenger vehicles on long-distance routes.
Officials consider the measure important because many buses will carry heavier passenger loads during the Eid migration period.
Wahjudi said the number of tests dropped this year because the agency received fewer testing kits than in previous years. Last year, officers tested 15 transport workers during the same seasonal inspection.
“We received fewer testing kits from the health office. This is part of the impact of budget efficiency,” he said.
He explained that the reduced supply came from budget adjustments that affected equipment support for field operations. Even with limited kits, officers still prioritized random screening to detect possible risks early.
If officers find a positive result in future checks, investigators will continue with a more detailed assessment. They will trace the source of narcotics, evaluate dependency levels, and decide whether rehabilitation is necessary.
Wahjudi added that similar inspections will continue at several transport hubs, including Patria Terminal, where many bus crews gather before departure. At the same location, transport officials also carried out vehicle safety inspections.
Saikudin, head of the East Java transport supervision unit for the Tulungagung region, said officers checked six public transport vehicles during the operation.
The inspection covered five buses and one minibus.
“All inspected vehicles are in good condition and ready for operation,” he said.
The team first examined administrative documents before checking technical components inside each vehicle.
Officers reviewed braking systems, lights, and required safety equipment to make sure every unit could operate safely. They also verified that emergency tools remained complete and functional before departure.
Saikudin said officers will immediately respond if they find incomplete documents or technical problems. For administrative violations, officers usually issue tickets directly at the inspection site.
He added that authorities will continue these checks in the coming days as Eid travel approaches across Indonesia and passenger numbers continue to rise.