Fact check: Motorcyclists wearing flip-flops will not be fined Rp250,000

A Facebook post featuring an infographic claimed to be the latest policy from the Traffic Police (Polantas) has been circulating. The post, which gained around 1,400 likes, 2,100 comments, and over 600 shares, stated that motorcyclists wearing flip-flops would be subject to a ticket and a fine of Rp250,000. The infographic cited Law Number 22 of 2009 on Traffic and Road Transport (LLAJ) as the legal basis, claiming Article 106 paragraph (8) requires riders to wear footwear and Article 287 paragraph (1) stipulates a maximum imprisonment of two months or a fine of up to Rp500,000 for violators. However, an investigation found that the narrative in the post does not align with the provisions of the LLAJ Law. Article 106 paragraph (8) does not regulate the obligation to wear footwear; instead, it states: ‘Every person driving a motorcycle and motorcycle passenger must wear a helmet that meets Indonesian National Standards.’ Meanwhile, Article 287 paragraph (1) regulates sanctions for drivers who violate orders or prohibitions indicated by traffic signs or road markings as referred to in Article 106 paragraph (4), not sanctions for wearing flip-flops. A search of the LLAJ Law using the keyword ‘alas kaki’ (footwear) yielded no results. The police have indeed urged motorcyclists to wear shoes for safety. Through official social media posts, the Traffic Unit confirmed that motorcyclists wearing flip-flops will not be ticketed. Officers will only provide advice and education for riders to use safer footwear to minimise the risk of injury in the event of an accident or direct contact with the asphalt. Thus, the claim that motorcyclists wearing flip-flops will be ticketed and fined Rp250,000 is false. There is currently no provision in the LLAJ Law that specifically regulates sanctions for motorcyclists wearing flip-flops.