Central Government Retains Authority Over ODOL Regulations on National Roads

Legal Framework for National Road Regulation

The Indonesian central government maintains exclusive authority over regulating Over Dimension Over Loading (ODOL) trucks on national roads. This regulatory control is mandated through Government Regulation No. 34/2006, which clearly delineates the division of authority between different levels of government. According to this regulation, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, particularly the Directorate General of Highways, holds primary responsibility for managing national roads.

Limitations on Regional Authority

Experts in transportation law, such as Suripno from the Institut Transportasi dan Logistik Trisakti, emphasize that while regional governors have coordination roles, they lack the technical and operational authority to regulate national roads. This limitation stems from the hierarchical structure of road management in Indonesia, where national roads are under central government control. The planned implementation of ODOL restrictions by the West Java governor on January 2, 2026, while well-intentioned, faces legal constraints due to this division of authority.

Implications for Transportation Policy

The centralization of authority over national roads has significant implications for transportation policy implementation across different regions. While regional governments can coordinate and support national policies, they must refrain from independently enforcing regulations that fall under central government jurisdiction. This framework ensures consistency in the application of transportation regulations nationwide, particularly concerning critical issues like ODOL, which affect road safety and infrastructure durability.