Odol truck drivers threatened with extortion of Rp150 million, what government action?

Wild levies experienced by Over Dimension and Over Load (ODOL) truck drivers are still a serious issue in Indonesia. In fact, the latest data shows that Odol truck drivers can be exposed to extortion of up to Rp150 million per vehicle per year. Responding to this problem, the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) through the Director General of Land Transportation, Aan Suhanan, stressed that the eradication of extortion practices was one of the main focus of the government.

The practice of extortion usually occurs on the weighbridge, which should function to oversee compliance with the dimensions and cargo of goods transportation. Although the weighbridge is intended to ensure that the vehicle does not exceed the specified limit, there are still individuals who carry out illegal activities at that location. In an official statement issued on July 17, Aan said, “We do not close our eyes; there are still those who carry out these illegal activities.”

To overcome this problem, the Ministry of Transportation is preparing several concrete steps, such as the development of a tighter SOP regarding the mechanism at the weighbridge. In addition, efforts to modernize the weighing tool through the application of electronic systems are one of the solutions to reduce the interaction between the driver and the officer, which often becomes a gap in extortion. “We are preparing electronic action by installing WIM (Weigh in Motion) to take action,” explained Aan.

Weigh in Motion technology for efficiency

Weigh in Motion (WIM) is a technology that allows vehicles to be weighed without having to stop. This system not only accelerates the weighing process but also reduces the possibility of extortion. The measurement results sent digitally can provide transparency in law enforcement. Aan added, “The hope in the long term will provide a deterrent effect on violators.”

The importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Transportation and the Prosecutor’s Office is also in the spotlight. The Ministry of Transportation plans to compile a memorandum of understanding with the prosecutor’s office so that the results of data collection from the weighbridge that are electronic can be used as legal evidence. “Later, electronic evidence from UPPKB or WIM can be used as evidence in justice,” he added.

Digitalization of services to reduce extortion

In line with these steps, the Ministry of Transportation has also implemented digitalization to technical services, such as SKRB and SRUT, to reduce face-to-face interactions that have the potential to be misused. This effort is expected to eliminate gaps for extortion practices and reduce logistics costs significantly.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) added, “We must delete extortion practices; there is already data that one truck can spend Rp100 million to Rp150 million every year only for extortion.” He also reminded, if extortion was successfully deleted, the cost of logistics travel would drop dramatically, eliminating the reasons for operating Odol trucks for cost efficiency.

The next step in law enforcement

In addition to the implementation of the electronic system, the Ministry of Transportation is also preparing a mechanism for action for trucks that violate dimensional and cargo boundaries. In this plan, vehicles that exceed the limit will be asked to lower their loads at the weighbridge location. UPPKB facilities will also be mapped and improved in order to be able to meet these needs.

In an effort to maintain security and safety on the streets, the government is committed to overcoming the problem of toothpaste and extortion. In the midst of existing challenges, these steps are expected to be the right solution for the transportation industry and the community as a whole. Thus, the sustainability of the logistics sector in Indonesia can be more guaranteed.