IdnAround.com – Approximately 800 truck drivers from various regions in Kudus Regency, Central Java, and surrounding areas staged a protest on Thursday, demanding a revision of regulations concerning Over Dimension and Over Loading (ODOL) trucks on Jalan Lingkar Selatan Kudus.
During the protest, Kudus Regent Sam’ai Intakoris, Deputy Regent Bellinda Birton, and Kudus Police Chief AKBP Heru Dwi Purnomo were present to listen to the truck drivers’ grievances.
“We strongly disagree with the inclusion of criminal sanctions in the ODOL regulation. Therefore, we demand the government revise it,” said Anggit Putra Iswandaru, the Chairman of the Central Java Truck Drivers’ Movement, when met during the protest at the Jati Induk Terminal in Kudus.
According to him, the criminal sanction is burdensome because it makes truck drivers fear for their livelihoods due to the threat of imprisonment.
The ODOL law, which refers to the Law No. 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transport, includes a provision that threatens criminal penalties for offenders.
“Since it’s already a product of law, we can only push for a revision that doesn’t burden the truck drivers,” he added.
Continued Protest and Support for Revision
After the Kudus protest, the truck drivers, along with hundreds of others, plan to stage a similar demonstration in Central Java to meet directly with the Governor of Central Java.
Some of the truck drivers also placed banners on their vehicles that read, “Please Revise the ODOL Law, Welcome to Indonesia, Truck Drivers with ODOL Are Imprisoned, Drivers Are Not Criminals, We’re Not Opposing ODOL, but This is About Our Families at Home.”
In addition to the hundreds of truck drivers participating in the protest, various-sized trucks, including those inside the terminal, were parked along Jalan Lingkar Selatan in front of the Jati Induk Terminal in Kudus.
Kudus Police and Government Response
Kudus Police Chief AKBP Heru Dwi Purnomo revealed that ODOL regulations are under the jurisdiction of the central government, so the truck drivers’ aspirations can be forwarded to the Kudus Regency Government to be communicated to the national government.
“Please draft a proper concept and narrative so that the truck drivers’ demands can be effectively conveyed,” he said.
Kudus Regent Sam’ani Intakoris, accompanied by Deputy Regent Bellinda Birton, acknowledged that they are ready to help forward the truck drivers’ aspirations to the central government.
Regarding the vehicle inspection (uji kir), he mentioned that communication and consultations will be held with the central government regarding the truck drivers’ requests and concerns.
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