Indonesia strengthens ODOL vehicle regulations for safety

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation is strengthening regulations regarding Over Dimension Over Load (ODOL) vehicles as part of the revision to the Road Traffic and Transport Law (RUU LLAJ). The government aims to implement a zero ODOL policy by 2027.

New regulatory frameworks will focus on increasing sanctions and expanding legal responsibility. Rather than targeting only drivers, the new rules intend to hold both cargo owners and transport operators accountable to ensure legal fairness. The Ministry is also pushing for technology-based monitoring and digital transportation oversight to enhance safety and enforcement.

Maritime experts have highlighted the severe risks ODOL trucks pose to ferry operations. Beyond road hazards, these overloaded vehicles can damage ship ramp doors due to excessive axle weight, potentially causing structural deformation or hinge failure. Additionally, the extreme weight makes lashing and securing the vehicles difficult during transit, which has been linked to several ferry sinkings.