Transport Minister Warns Overloaded Truck Operators Face Criminal Prosecution
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has warned business operators using over-dimension over-load (ODOL) trucks that they will face criminal prosecution. The criminal penalties will not only target drivers but also truck users and owners.
"As with the Purworejo and Ciawi cases, if there are indications of criminal conduct, we hope it won't stop at just the driver — it should extend to the owner and the user. For instance, if the party concerned knows that one truck cannot be used and two trucks are required, yet consciously forces the load knowing the consequences could result in an accident, we will push for criminal charges if there are indications. Not just for the driver, but the owner and the user," he said, as quoted on Friday (9 May 2025).
He urged business operators, large vehicle owners and users to reconsider the impact of using ODOL vehicles. "Going forward, we want business operators to learn lessons from this, so they cannot simply wash their hands of responsibility as though it only falls on the driver," he said.
Until now, when accidents occur it is most often the driver who is blamed, even though they are merely working — without direction and orders from the employer, the incident would not have happened. Therefore, the party responsible when such accidents occur is the business operator.
"The criminal regulations already exist. I have spoken with the Head of Traffic Police Corps and we will try to ensure that criminal proceedings do not stop at just one driver — it's unfair on the drivers. Sometimes drivers are aware of the situation, but due to the need to earn a living, they have no choice but to carry out the work," he said.
Additionally, there is also the option of revoking business permits from offending operators. Coordination with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is already under way.
"We have discussed with BKPM the option of revoking business permits in criminal cases. We may propose the revocation of business permits related to specialist freight trucks. For general goods, the authority lies with regional governments, and ultimately with BKPM, which can propose business permit revocation, whilst regional governments can also revoke permits. Revoking a business permit is like taking a life — so the message is firm," said Dudy.
"As with the Purworejo and Ciawi cases, if there are indications of criminal conduct, we hope it won't stop at just the driver — it should extend to the owner and the user. For instance, if the party concerned knows that one truck cannot be used and two trucks are required, yet consciously forces the load knowing the consequences could result in an accident, we will push for criminal charges if there are indications. Not just for the driver, but the owner and the user," he said, as quoted on Friday (9 May 2025).
He urged business operators, large vehicle owners and users to reconsider the impact of using ODOL vehicles. "Going forward, we want business operators to learn lessons from this, so they cannot simply wash their hands of responsibility as though it only falls on the driver," he said.
Until now, when accidents occur it is most often the driver who is blamed, even though they are merely working — without direction and orders from the employer, the incident would not have happened. Therefore, the party responsible when such accidents occur is the business operator.
"The criminal regulations already exist. I have spoken with the Head of Traffic Police Corps and we will try to ensure that criminal proceedings do not stop at just one driver — it's unfair on the drivers. Sometimes drivers are aware of the situation, but due to the need to earn a living, they have no choice but to carry out the work," he said.
Additionally, there is also the option of revoking business permits from offending operators. Coordination with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is already under way.
"We have discussed with BKPM the option of revoking business permits in criminal cases. We may propose the revocation of business permits related to specialist freight trucks. For general goods, the authority lies with regional governments, and ultimately with BKPM, which can propose business permit revocation, whilst regional governments can also revoke permits. Revoking a business permit is like taking a life — so the message is firm," said Dudy.