Government Truck Restrictions During Eid Holiday Deemed Not to Disrupt Food Distribution
The policy to restrict commercial vehicle operations during the Eid holiday exodus is not expected to disrupt the distribution of basic necessities for society. The government continues to provide exemptions for logistics vehicles carrying food supplies and fuel.
Tulus Abadi, chairman of the Indonesian Consumer Empowerment Forum, stated that the government’s restrictions are selective in nature and will not impact the distribution of daily essentials. According to him, the vehicles being restricted are trucks with three or more axles that do not carry essential logistics. Meanwhile, vehicles transporting basic foodstuffs, petroleum products, and other essential goods remain permitted to operate.
“What is being restricted are non-logistics vehicles. This means food, basic necessities, and fuel are still allowed to operate. So it will not disrupt the distribution of essential goods for the public,” Tulus said.
He explained that the policy is actually intended to maintain economic stability during the Eid period. With smoother traffic flow, the distribution of important goods can proceed more efficiently and safely.
Tulus dismissed concerns from some quarters that the policy could trigger food price increases, saying such concerns are unfounded. “Because the distribution of essential goods is not prohibited, there should be no disruption to supply or food prices. There is only a schedule adjustment for certain logistics sectors,” he stated.
He also noted that logistics and transport operators should be able to adapt to the policy, since restricting freight transport during the holiday exodus is not new and has been implemented routinely every year. Furthermore, the government typically announces such policies well in advance of the holiday season, giving businesses time to adjust.
Looking forward, Tulus encouraged the government to strengthen the national logistics transportation system by promoting the use of rail transport. He suggested that some goods distribution could be shifted from roads to rail to reduce traffic congestion during the holiday season.
“Logistics transport in the future needs to gradually migrate to rail. That way, dependence on trucks on roads can be reduced,” he said.
Previously, the government officially implemented restrictions on commercial vehicle operations during the Eid holiday exodus and return period for Idul Fitri 1447 Hijri. The policy, which applies to large trucks on several toll road sections and national roads, took effect from Friday 13 March 2026 through Sunday 29 March 2026.