Indonesia to Implement Stricter Toll Road Quality Monitoring

Enhanced Assessment Methodology

The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works is developing new regulations to improve toll road quality assessment through more frequent measurements using the International Roughness Index (IRI). The current annual measurement system will be replaced with quarterly assessments, significantly enhancing monitoring capabilities. This change addresses existing limitations where roads could be deemed satisfactory during annual checks but deteriorate significantly between measurements.

Current Challenges and Limitations

The existing assessment system, based on the Standar Pelayanan Minimal (SPM), has been criticized for its inability to capture the dynamic nature of road conditions. While the current system checks for potholes and other visible damage, it often fails to account for road roughness or 'bumpy' conditions. The new regulations aim to bridge this gap by introducing more frequent IRI measurements.

Implementation Timeline and Impact

The new regulations are currently in draft form and are expected to be finalized by end-2025 or early 2026. Once implemented, toll road operators will need to adapt to the stricter monitoring regime, which is expected to lead to improved maintenance practices and better overall road conditions. The enhanced assessment will also play a crucial role in tariff adjustment decisions, as compliance with SPM is a key factor in determining toll rate increases.

Regulatory Context and Stakeholder Implications

The development of these regulations is part of a broader effort to enhance infrastructure quality in Indonesia. The new rules will provide a more accurate picture of toll road conditions, enabling better maintenance scheduling and resource allocation. Toll road operators will need to prepare for more rigorous assessments and potentially more frequent maintenance requirements.