Jakarta (ANTARA) – Hundreds of truck drivers from various regions, including Central Java and East Java, held demonstrations against the Over Dimension Over Loading (ODOL) policy.
This action is a protest against policies considered burdensome for drivers and freight entrepreneurs, especially those who depend on vehicles with dimensions and loads outside the regulations.
The demonstrations took place at a number of strategic points such as Palimanan (Cirebon) toll road, Surabaya, Kudus, Bandung and other areas. This action was launched from 19 to 20 June 2025 and is expected to take place again today, Monday (23/6), as no concrete response from the government to their requests has been obtained.
Read also: Ministry of Industry supports Zero ODOL program in phases
So what does ODOL really mean and what are the demands of truck drivers in this action? Check out the full review below.
What is ODOL?
ODOL is the abbreviation of Oversize and overloadi.e. the practice of using trucks that exceed specified physical dimensions and load capacity limits. This practice is often adopted for reasons of logistics cost efficiency, but has a large impact on road and infrastructure safety.
The provisions relating to vehicle dimensions and load limits were regulated in Law number 22 of 2009 on road traffic and transport. Violation of this rule not only endangers other road users but also causes damage to the road resulting in losses to the state.
Why are truck drivers demonstrating?
Actions are triggered by various factors, such as:
• Criminal threats against motorists, which are addressed rather than regulating property owners or business owners.
• Heavy operational expenses, while transportation rates are not adjusted to the tightening of ODOL; Modifying a truck to fit can be expensive and impact your revenue.
• Unequal legal treatment, where small drivers get charged, while large companies often get away with it.
• There is still a widespread problem of crime and illegal taxes on the road, which is harmful to motorists.
Read also: The Ministry of Public Works prepares an action plan to follow up on the Zero ODOL policy
The 6 main requests of truck drivers
Based on the relevant reports, the main requests of the drivers present at the event are the following:
1. Revision of article 277 of Law no. 22/2009, whereby the responsibility for implementing the ODOL does not only lie with the driver/modifier of the vehicle, but also includes the owner and user of the service.
2. Stop the criminalization of motorists, especially due to criminal threats considered serious.
3. Determining minimum logistics rates, ensuring justice for small drivers so that they are not burdened with high costs without compensation.
4. Legal protection for drivers, including fair enforcement of the law without discrimination based on the size of the operator.
5. Eradicate crime and extortion, both by members of the public and the authorities, so that drivers do not suffer extortion during previous operations or during ODOL enforcement actions.
6. Equal legal treatment, ensuring that large companies that violate the rules are prosecuted, not just small drivers.
In the context of these requests, the government is currently drafting a presidential regulation related to the implementation of the “Zero ODOL” policy, which is expected to come into full force in 2026. However, so far there has been no official statement regarding the revision of the law, the adjustment of transport tariffs or legal guarantees that protect truck drivers in the face of changes in this regulation.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Transport continue to encourage the application of ODOL regulations. This policy is considered important to maintain the safety of road users and protect infrastructure from damage due to vehicles exceeding load and size limits.
Read also: Ministry of Transport: actions to manage zero ODOL are organized between ministries/agencies
Read also: Traffic Corps prioritizes training on handling oversized cargo transportation
Read also: Korlantas urges project managers not to use partner trucks to violate the rules
Reporter: M. Hilal Eka Saputra Harahap
Publisher: Maria Rosari Dwi Putri
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