Truck Accident on Cipularang Toll Highlights Issues in Indonesia’s Freight Industry Ecosystem
A massive accident occurred at KM 92 of the Cipularang Toll Road, triggered by a truck with faulty brakes that collided with multiple vehicles ahead. This incident highlights the chaotic state of Indonesia’s freight industry ecosystem.
The Deputy Chair of Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Syaiful Huda, commented that the repeated occurrence of truck-related accidents reflects the underlying issues within Indonesia’s freight and logistics industry.
“Traffic accidents caused by delivery trucks keep recurring. Just after a reckless wings box truck incident in Tangerang, now another truck accident has led to multiple casualties, including fatalities. We urge the Ministry of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive investigation into our logistics industry’s ecosystem,” said Huda in Jakarta on Tuesday (12/11/2024).
On Thursday (31/10), social media was abuzz with an incident where a container truck drove recklessly, crashing into several vehicles in Cipondoh, Tangerang. On the same day, an accident occurred on the Pemalang-Batang Toll Road involving a Rosalia Express truck that collided with a TV One vehicle, tragically resulting in three deaths. It is suspected that the truck driver experienced “microsleep,” briefly falling asleep and losing control.
Huda acknowledged the growth of the logistics and delivery industry in recent years, but he emphasized that this expansion must be accompanied by stricter monitoring and law enforcement.
“Regulations are actually in place. However, implementation in the field remains problematic, weakening oversight of vehicle and driver safety,” explained Huda, a politician from the National Awakening Party (PKB).
He added that the Directorate General of Land Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation has clear regulations on truck types, maximum load limits, road classifications, and truck body specifications. The ministry also mandates biannual vehicle inspections to ensure the roadworthiness of cargo trucks.
“Yet these regulations are often violated, leading to accidents that result in both financial and human losses,” Huda stated.
Furthermore, Huda pointed out that weak oversight of truck drivers is another key factor contributing to the high accident rates on the road. He noted that many logistics companies hire drivers without proper qualifications, often due to cost-cutting reasons.
“Many companies recruit drivers without considering their competence, age, or professionalism, simply because they are willing to work for lower wages. Meanwhile, the government appears to turn a blind eye, leading to cases of underage drivers, substitute drivers, and even drivers involved in drug use,” he added.
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