No, riding in the back of a truck is generally illegal in Indonesia under multiple regulations, including the 2009 Traffic and Road Transport Law (UU No. 22/2009) and regional bylaws enforced by local police (Polri) and the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub). While exceptions exist for agricultural or emergency scenarios, unauthorized passengers face fines or criminal liability.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Indonesia
- UU No. 22/2009 (Article 106): Prohibits transporting passengers in open cargo areas unless vehicles are specifically designed for such use (e.g., truk bak terbuka with seating and safety features).
- Peraturan Menteri Perhubungan No. 132/2015: Mandates that trucks carrying people must comply with structural safety standards, including secure seating, railings, and speed limits (max 60 km/h).
- Local Enforcement: Cities like Jakarta and Surabaya impose additional penalties under Perda (Regional Regulations), with fines up to IDR 5 million (≈USD 330) for violations. Police often conduct spot checks near industrial zones.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts under the Sistem Administrasi Manunggal Satu Atap (SAMSAT) integration require digital reporting of vehicle modifications, increasing scrutiny on non-compliant trucks. Exemptions for rural areas (e.g., truk angkutan desa) are narrowing as authorities prioritize road safety amid rising accident rates. Non-compliance risks not only legal penalties but also invalidation of insurance claims in accident scenarios.