Apindo and Gapmmi Criticise Policy Banning Three-Axle Trucks During Lebaran 2026
JAKARTA — The Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo), the Indonesian Trucking Entrepreneurs’ Association (Aptrindo), and the All-Indonesia Food and Beverage Companies’ Association (Gapmmi) say they have been severely disadvantaged by the policy banning trucks with three or more axles from operating for 17 days during the 2026 Lebaran period. The business groups argue the policy significantly impacts industrial operations.
Adrianto Djokosoetono, Apindo’s Deputy Chairman for Transport and Logistics, said not all industries cease operations during Lebaran. He cited export-import companies and bottled drinking water (AMDK) producers as examples of businesses that continue to operate during the holiday.
“This is a misperception that must be corrected. The government should grant exemptions for industries that continue to operate during Lebaran. Especially since business operators have already conveyed to the government their reasons for opposing this policy,” said Adrianto, commonly known as Andre, in a statement on Tuesday (24/2/2026).
Andre expressed hope that the government would consider not only the homebound traveller segment but also the economic segment. He argued the ban would clearly cause production delays due to raw material shortages and disrupt the distribution of finished goods from factories.
“Then there are also the additional costs that ultimately render our industries uncompetitive,” he said.
He called on the government to review policies that burden business operators, such as the ban on three-axle truck operations during every religious holiday period, including Lebaran 2026. “The bottom line is that business operators do not want any obstacles that affect the smooth distribution of goods, whether raw materials or finished products,” Andre said.
He also characterised the three-axle truck ban during religious holidays as a perennial problem that resurfaces every year. “The government should have been able to resolve the complaints of business operators regarding this policy by now, rather than remaining at a standstill as has been the case until now,” he said.
Gapmmi Chairman Adhi Lukman also expressed the same objections to the truck ban during Lebaran. He noted it is not easy for food and beverage companies to arrange storage facilities.
“We have anticipated deliveries to all regions as early as possible. However, not everything can be fulfilled given the limited storage capacity and the high daily consumer demand,” he said.
He cited bottled drinking water as an example, where shop and distributor capacity is limited whilst consumer demand remains high every day. Additionally, some products have short shelf lives, such as bread and other items. He argued that such products should be granted dispensation or exemptions, similar to basic necessities.
“So we, together with other associations, are considering submitting our objections to the relevant ministries,” he said.