Korlantas Deploys Face Recognition, 16,000 Licence Plate Violations Recorded by ETLE

The National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas) is intensifying its digital transformation in traffic law enforcement. A key policy now being implemented is the application of Face Recognition (FR) technology integrated with the Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) system. The advanced system is also integrated with the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) database to identify offenders using fake licence plates or driving without a Tanda Nomor Kendaraan Bermotor (TNKB).

This policy, directed by the Chief of Korlantas Polri, Inspector General Wibowo, was enacted due to persistently high rates of licence plate violations. According to Korlantas data for the first half of 2026, a total of 16,812 violations related to licence plates were recorded by the ETLE system. These violations include vehicles operating without a licence plate or using counterfeit plates, with 77.24 per cent of the offences committed by motorcyclists.

Brigadier General I Made Agus Prasatya, Director of Law Enforcement at Korlantas, stated that the TNKB is an official vehicle identity issued by the Police and is a crucial component of the registration, identification, and law enforcement systems. He noted that these violations are generally committed to evade ETLE enforcement, circumvent odd-even traffic policies, or cover up criminal acts such as hit-and-run incidents.

To address these challenges, Korlantas has implemented Face Recognition technology capable of identifying drivers’ faces via ETLE cameras and matching them with Dukcapil population data. This allows authorities to ascertain a driver’s identity even if the vehicle uses a fake plate, has its plate covered, or lacks a plate entirely. The application of Face Recognition not only enhances the accuracy of traffic law enforcement but also supports the uncovering of criminal acts on the road, ensures that violation confirmation letters are sent to the correct parties, and prevents the misuse of vehicle identities.

Brigadier General Made Agus explained that vehicles whose ETLE capture does not match registration data will be flagged as using fake plates. The verification results from back-office personnel are then forwarded to field officers for enforcement action. In addition to optimising static, mobile, and portable ETLE, Korlantas is also increasing patrols by Highway Patrol (PJR) and Law Enforcement Sub-directorate personnel at points prone to licence plate violations. Law enforcement is carried out humanely, prioritising the electronic system, with repressive measures as a last resort for non-compliant offenders.

Korlantas reminded the public that using a TNKB is an obligation stipulated in Article 68 paragraph (1) of Law Number 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transportation. Drivers who fail to install a TNKB may be charged under Article 280 of the same law, facing a maximum imprisonment of two months or a fine of up to IDR 500,000. Meanwhile, the use of fake licence plates can be charged under Article 391 of the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum prison sentence of six years. Brigadier General Made Agus stressed that the police take no pride in enforcement, viewing it as a last resort, and that the priority is public compliance through the ETLE system and technology to ensure safety, order, and legal certainty on the roads.