Why Must a Toll Road Undergo a Functionality Fitness Test Before Opening?

JAKARTA - Before being officially opened and traversed by thousands of vehicles every day, a toll road must go through one important stage: the Uji Laik Fungsi (ULF). This stage is not merely a formality. Behind the smooth asphalt and neat road markings lies a series of strict checks to ensure that every section is truly safe for use. “The Uji Laik Fungsi is conducted to ensure that all elements of the toll road meet the technical, safety, and operational requirements,” said Davy to Kompas.com on Wednesday (1/4/2026). He explained that one of the main focuses in the ULF is the safety of road users. In addition, construction quality is also a concern. From the materials used, the thickness of the pavement, to the road structure, all are checked to comply with applicable technical standards. No less important, operational aspects are also tested. From the toll payment system, traffic supervision, to communication, everything must be ensured to run optimally before the toll road is opened to the public. “In addition to technical and operational aspects, the ULF also ensures compliance with applicable regulations, including safety and environmental standards,” said Davy. In practice, the ULF is carried out through several stages. Physical inspection of the road is the initial step, followed by testing of the operational system. Simulations of emergency conditions are also conducted to test readiness in facing unexpected situations. The entire process is then summarised in a comprehensive safety evaluation. Through this stage, the government and toll road operators ensure that every operated section is not only technically feasible but also ready to provide a sense of safety and comfort for users.