A family MPV normally seating seven was modified to carry 12 passengers during mudik and stopped at a checkpoint. The modification involved altering the luggage space and covering it with plastic tarp. The case highlights safety risks from overloading.
The 2026 Lebaran mudik phenomenon featured extreme vehicle modifications. An MPV designed for seven passengers was found carrying 12. It was stopped by officers at a checkpoint after appearing suspicious from the rear, as reported by Instagram @inspacta.id on Saturday, March 21, 2026, by Krisna Wicaksono in VIVA Otomotif Jakarta. The luggage area was converted into passenger space and covered with plastic tarp to resemble cargo. Rear passengers lacked seatbelts or adequate ventilation, compromising safety on long trips. The changes stemmed from mudik travel costs but risked vehicle stability, braking, suspension, and tires at high speeds. The enforcement video went viral on social media, drawing netizen comments that savings do not justify the risks. Police officers reminded drivers to obey vehicle capacity limits for collective safety and vowed strict monitoring during mudik flows. The incident serves as a reminder that mudik requires safe and responsible travel.