Zero ODOL by 2027: Transport Minister Demands Overloaded Trucks Take Responsibility for Road Damage

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi emphasised that heavy vehicles violating load regulations must take responsibility for their impacts. “We hope this joint commitment to zero ODOL can be upheld so that it is truly realised by 2027,” Dudy stated in Jakarta on Thursday (9/4/2026). The Ministry of Transport is preparing a scheme to ensure heavy vehicles do not evade responsibility. The highlighted impacts include infrastructure damage and operational losses. “Heavy vehicles must be responsible for the damage occurring on toll roads,” he asserted. “On ferries, one vehicle can take the capacity of two vehicles, yet it only pays for one. This must be regulated going forward,” Dudy explained. The practice of ODOL accelerates road damage. Infrastructure lifespan becomes shorter than initially planned. “A road that should last 10 years ends up only lasting 5 years. They must also take responsibility for that,” he said. The Ministry of Transport is preparing mechanisms to regulate the form of such responsibility. The rules will apply to toll roads and ferries. “This is what I am asking to be prepared, so there is a form of responsibility that they must fulfil,” Dudy stated. He emphasised that heavy vehicles can no longer operate without considering the impacts. “Vehicles cannot just run as if they are free from responsibility,” he said. “We will coordinate with PU, BPJT, and ferry operators to prepare these steps,” Dudy asserted.