Zero ODOL Policy Success Requires More Than Sanctions, Experts Say

The Zero Over Dimension Over Loading (ODOL) policy, targeted for full implementation by January 2027, is becoming a new benchmark in the development of Indonesia’s transportation safety system. The success of this policy is considered to depend not only on penalties but on synergy between public safety, legal certainty, and the sustainability of the logistics industry. This commitment was reinforced during a discussion on the 2027 indicative budget ceiling between the Directorate General of Land Transportation and House of Representatives Commission V. Commission V Chairman Lasarus stressed that transportation safety is a non-negotiable mandatory programme. However, budget challenges remain, with the current allocation of Rp721.67 billion representing only about 48% of the total mandatory requirement of Rp1.5 trillion. The urgency to strengthen safety is underscored by national accident data. While ODOL vehicles contribute to 10.5% of accidents, the highest fatality rate, at 77.4%, involves motorcycles. This indicates the Zero ODOL momentum must be expanded to include safety standards for two-wheeled vehicles, the primary mode of transport for the public. In line with the National Road Safety Master Plan (RUNK), Indonesia is encouraged to adopt a vehicle safety rating system similar to Malaysia’s, where new vehicles must display a safety rating label. Public policy expert Agus Pambagio stated that Indonesia’s motorcycle safety standards lag behind and urged the integration of the Indonesia Road Safety Rating (IDRS) into official regulations. ‘We need to know how safe a vehicle is when tested. If there is a rating from the start, public awareness will also increase,’ he said, highlighting the need for testing on crash risks and potential fires in electric vehicles. Strengthening upstream regulations, from vehicle production to road operations, is seen as a fixed price to reduce the national accident rate. Jasa Raharja recorded that 70-75% of its annual accident compensation, which reached Rp1.36 trillion for fatalities and Rp1.85 trillion for injuries in 2025, is paid to motorcycle accident victims.