Transport Minister: Some Logistics Entrepreneurs Disregarding Truck Restrictions During Lebaran Exodus
The Transport Minister (Menhub) Dudy Purwagandhi has announced that non-compliance continues among certain logistics entrepreneurs who are still operating three-axle or larger trucks during the cargo transport operational restrictions period that commenced on 13 March 2026.
He assessed that violations of this restrictive policy are contributing to increased congestion and vehicle queues at several key transport nodes, including Gilimanuk Port, which serves cross-strait operations to Ketapang Port.
“We express concern that there are still logistics entrepreneurs who are not complying with the operational restrictions policy for three-axle trucks and above, which has been in effect since 13 March,” said Dudy in an official statement on Sunday (15 March).
He noted that such non-compliance has resulted in increased vehicle queues at several strategic points, including at ferry terminals.
The Transport Minister stated that the cargo transport operational restrictions policy has been established by the government through a Joint Decision Letter (SKB) on Traffic Control and Cross-Strait Operations during the 2026 Lebaran Transport Period, issued by the Transport Ministry, the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Public Works Ministry.
The joint decision clearly regulates the operational restrictions on cargo transport vehicles with three or more axles during the period 13-29 March 2026 to ensure smooth exodus traffic and road user safety. Therefore, the operation of large trucks outside these provisions constitutes non-compliance with the nationally established government policy.
The Transport Minister stated that the cargo transport operational restrictions policy has been implemented by the government to facilitate smooth public mobility ahead of Lebaran transport season whilst ensuring safety and traffic order.
However, logistics vehicles continuing to operate outside these regulations risk exacerbating congestion and increasing safety risks on roads and at port areas.
The Transport Minister emphasised that the government is fully committed to ensuring transport services operate safely and comfortably for the public during the Lebaran exodus season. This aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive that all ministries and institutions provide the best service to the public during the exodus period.
“The President has reminded all government bodies to ensure that people can undertake their exodus journeys safely, comfortably, and smoothly. Therefore, all parties must comply with the rules that have been established,” the Transport Minister stressed.
The Transport Minister called on all logistics business operators to comply with the established policy for the sake of smooth transport flow and collective safety. Compliance with these regulations is essential for traffic management and transport operations to function properly during the Lebaran transport period.
Regarding queues heading to Ketapang Port, the Transport Minister has ordered the Port Authority (KSOP) and ferry operator (ASDP) to increase vessel operations, implement rapid turnaround procedures (TBB), and deploy larger vessels.
The TBB scheme has been implemented since Saturday to reduce congestion. The Transport Ministry has directed large-capacity vessels from the Padangbai-Lembar route to be redirected to Gilimanuk to accelerate vessel utilisation.
“The transition time at the dock, which was originally 45 minutes, is being expedited to 30 minutes. Several vessels have also been specially prepared to transport two-wheeled vehicles,” said the Transport Minister.
The Transport Ministry is also collaborating with police in implementing traffic management schemes in the Ketapang-Gilimanuk port area. On the ground, temporary halts to large truck movements towards the ports have been implemented, particularly for three-axle trucks heading to Gilimanuk Port.
Empty large trucks are being directed into designated parking areas to avoid adding to congestion. Buffer zones are also being optimised for private vehicles.
Vehicles that have already entered the Tasikmalaya area and are continuing should proceed to designated parking areas at Rajapolah, Jamanis, and Ciawi.