PO ALS Releases New Bus Fleet, Looking Fresh with Jetbus 5 MHD Body

One of Indonesia’s legendary bus companies, PT Antar Lintas Sumatera (ALS), has released its latest intercity interprovincial (AKAP) bus fleet, which rolled out from the Adiputro body manufacturer’s garage.

The new buses feature the modern Jetbus 5 MHD body, equipped with various facilities that provide a high level of passenger comfort.

The bus body has a modern and elegant design, with a minimalist chrome-layered grille on the front fascia. It retains its signature double-glass windows.

This new fleet from the PO (bus company), which has been operating since 1966, still carries the characteristic green color of PO ALS, combined with orange, blue, and silver livery. White wheels further enhance the stylish appearance of these new buses.

The new PO ALS buses are deployed in the Executive class with a 2-2 seat configuration. They come with attractive features such as LED TVs, water dispensers, and seatbelts on every passenger seat.

Regarding durability, there is no doubt — the new PO ALS inter-Sumatra buses use the premium Mercedes-Benz OH 1626 chassis, which is well-known for its safety, security, and comfort.

One of the standout features of this chassis is its air suspension (built-in air suspension), the first of its kind to be mass-produced in Indonesia.

Replacing the traditional leaf spring suspension, the air suspension makes the ride much smoother when passing over rough roads or taking turns. This makes long-distance journeys far less tiring.

In terms of the powertrain, the Mercedes-Benz OH 1626 is a rear-engine (RR - Rear Engine Rear Drive) bus chassis. This means the engine is located at the rear, with the rear wheels as the drive wheels.

The chassis is powered by the OM 906 LA engine: a 6-cylinder inline, direct injection, turbocharged, intercooled engine with a capacity of 6,374 cc. It produces 260 horsepower at 2,200 rpm and 950 Nm of torque at 1,200–1,600 rpm.

For passenger safety and security, the Mercedes-Benz OH 1626 chassis is also equipped with advanced features, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) technology, adopted from similar systems used in aircraft.

The ABS braking system is an innovative vehicle braking technology designed to maintain driver and passenger safety by preventing wheel lock-up during sudden braking.