Government ban on three-axle trucks during Eid exodus to cost trucking businesses a month's income

JAKARTA – The government has begun enforcing a ban on the operational use of three-axle and heavier trucks during the 2026 Eid exodus period. The restriction applies from Friday, 13 March through 29 March 2026 on both toll and non-toll roads.

The policy is outlined in a Joint Ministerial Decree on Road Traffic Regulation and Crossing Arrangements during the 2026 Eid exodus and return traffic period. The decree was issued by the Ministry of Transportation, the Traffic Police Corps of the Indonesian National Police, and the Ministry of Public Works.

The policy has drawn scrutiny from the trucking industry. According to Agus, an industry spokesperson, the economic impact on business operators cannot be measured simply by the designated ban dates, as the consequences extend for a longer period.

He explained that goods delivery operations cannot always be adjusted to match the operational ban schedule because distribution processes require different travel times depending on each route. He cited the example of goods shipments from western regions such as Cilegon to East Java, which require nearly two days of travel time.

If a final order is received on 10 March 2026, trucks can no longer operate ahead of the ban beginning on 13 March. “This means our income does not stop for only 17 days, but could stretch to around 20 days because trucks can no longer operate from 10 March 2026,” Agus stated.

If the final order is received on 8 March, the period without revenue could extend nearly a full month. “If the ban starts on 13 March 2026, that’s 17 days plus approximately five days of travel beforehand. This means business operators could lose income for nearly an entire month,” he said.