Transport Minister Warns of Large Trucks Still Operating Ahead of Lebaran
Jakarta — Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has expressed concern over the ongoing discovery of non-compliance amongst logistics operators who continue to operate three-axle or larger trucks during the operational restriction period for freight transport services, which commenced on 13 March 2026. The minister believes that violations of these restrictions are contributing to increased congestion and queuing of vehicles at several transport nodes, including in the Gilimanuk Port area which serves ferries to Ketapang Port.
“The Ministry of Transport is expressing concern over the continued presence of logistics operators who are not complying with the operational restriction policy for three-axle and above trucks that came into effect on 13 March. This non-compliance is impacting increased vehicle queuing at numerous strategic points, including at ferry ports,” Purwagandhi stated in a written statement on Sunday (15 March 2026).
He noted that the freight transport operational restriction policy was established by the government through a Joint Decree (SKB) on Traffic and Ferry Arrangements during the 2026 Lebaran Transport Season by the Ministry of Transport, the Indonesian National Police, and the Ministry of Public Works.
The joint decree clearly stipulates restrictions on three-axle or larger freight transport vehicles from 13–29 March 2026 to ensure smooth mudik (homecoming) traffic flow and road user safety. Consequently, the operation of large trucks outside these provisions constitutes non-compliance with nationally established government policy.
Purwagandhi stated that the freight transport operational restriction policy was implemented to ensure smooth public mobility ahead of the Lebaran Transport Season and to maintain road safety and traffic order. However, the continued operation of logistics vehicles outside the prescribed regulations risks exacerbating congestion and increasing safety risks both on roads and in port areas.
The minister emphasised the government’s full commitment to ensuring safe and comfortable transport services for the public during the Lebaran season. This aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s direction, which emphasises that all ministries and institutions should provide the best service to citizens during the mudik period.
“The President has reminded all government officials to ensure that citizens can travel safely, comfortably, and smoothly during the mudik period. Therefore, all parties must cooperate and comply with established regulations,” he stated.
Through the Ministry of Transport, the government will continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement against vehicles violating the freight transport operational restrictions.
Purwagandhi urged all logistics businesses to comply with established policy to ensure smooth transport flow and collective safety. Compliance with this regulation is crucial for proper traffic management and transport operations during the 2026 Lebaran Transport Season.
The Ministry of Transport continues to coordinate with various stakeholders, including the Indonesian National Police, local governments, and transport operators to ensure optimal operational management in the field and reduce congestion at key transport nodes.
The minister again reminded that compliance with freight transport operational restrictions is an essential component of collective efforts to ensure safety, smooth public mobility, and smooth logistics distribution during the 2026 Lebaran Transport Season.
Regarding queuing to Ketapang Port, Purwagandhi has instructed the Port Authority and the Ferry Company to increase ferry operations, implement turnaround time management, and deploy larger vessels. Turnaround management has been in effect since Saturday to ease congestion. The Ministry of Transport has reassigned large-capacity vessels from the Padangbai-Lembar route to Gilimanuk to expedite absorption.
“The transition time at the jetty, originally 45 minutes, is being accelerated to 30 minutes. A number of vessels have also been specifically prepared to transport two-wheeled vehicles,” he said.
The Ministry of Transport is also cooperating with police in traffic engineering in the Ketapang-Gilimanuk Port area. Field operations include temporary halting of large truck traffic to the port, particularly three-axle trucks heading to Gilimanuk Port.
Empty large trucks are directed to designated parking areas to avoid adding to congestion. Buffer zones are also being optimised for private vehicles.