DAMRI's history officially began in 1943, with the establishment of two enterprises during the Japanese occupation of Java: for freight logistics, and the for passenger transport. After Indonesia proclaimed independence in 1945, Java Transportation Enterprise changed its name to Djawatan Pengangkoetan (Transport Enterprise) and Automobile Board changed its name to Djawatan Angkoetan Darat (Land Transport Enterprise) as both enterprises were taken over by the Indonesian Department of Transportation.