Indonesia’s trucking association called for an urgent renewal of the country’s aging truck fleet, warning that outdated vehicles are hampering logistics efficiency and worsening air pollution in major urban centres such as Jakarta.
Gemilang Tarigan, chairman of the Indonesian Trucking Entrepreneurs Association (APTRINDO), said the average age of trucks operating in the country is between 15 and 20 years, far beyond the ideal service life. Only about 21% of the approximately 4 million registered trucks in Indonesia are less than five years old, he said.
“The condition of our logistics fleet is no longer viable. It affects not just operational costs but also the environment,” Tarigan told members during the third APTRINDO Regional Conference (Musda APTRINDO DKI) in Kelapa Gading, Jakarta, this morning, Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Older trucks consume more fuel, are more prone to breakdowns, and contribute heavily to traffic congestion and pollution, he added. “The number of roadworthy trucks with acceptable emissions is very small. The rest are major contributors to air pollution, contradicting our goal of building a sustainable logistics system.”
Gemilang Tarigan: “Fleet modernization is no longer a choice, it’s a necessity.”
Jakarta, home to Indonesia’s busiest port at Tanjung Priok, is among the most affected. As of September 7, just 5% of the 3,177 active trucks in the port area qualified as low-emission or recently manufactured vehicles.
Tarigan urged local governments—particularly the Jakarta Provincial Government—to take stronger action to support logistics fleet renewal, including providing incentives and enforcing stricter emissions standards.
“Jakarta is a global city. It should not be operating with an outdated, high-emission trucking fleet. We must lead by example,” he said.
High logistics costs are also a key concern. According to APTRINDO, fuel inefficiency and frequent mechanical failures caused by aging fleets inflate transport costs, which in turn drive up consumer prices and reduce Indonesia’s competitiveness in regional trade.
“The biggest problem we face today is the exorbitant logistics cost. It stems largely from inefficient vehicles that are still on the road,” Tarigan said. “On top of that, these trucks are also prone to accidents, which cause long traffic delays and add to the public burden.”
The conference also saw the nomination of Darmawan Witanto as a candidate to head APTRINDO’s Jakarta chapter. Witanto, who served as interim chairman following Soedirman’s resignation, is expected to continue the push for strategic reforms, including accelerating truck fleet rejuvenation.
With rising pressure to align with global sustainability standards, APTRINDO hopes the incoming leadership will prioritize clean, efficient transport solutions.
“Fleet modernization is no longer a choice, it’s a necessity,” Tarigan said.
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 31.89% on its own and by 43.2% with international support by 2030. Transport emissions, especially from road freight, remain a major obstacle to meeting those targets.
Key Role, Calling for Deeper Collaboration
Indonesia’s trucking sector is calling for deeper collaboration among stakeholders to improve logistics efficiency at Tanjung Priok Port, the country’s main gateway for goods.
Speaking at the 3rd Regional Conference of the Indonesian Trucking Association (Aptrindo) Jakarta chapter on Tuesday, Heru Susanto, head of the Tanjung Priok Harbormaster and Port Authority (KSOP), emphasized the critical role of trucking fleets in supporting port operations.
“We appreciate Aptrindo Jakarta’s collaboration with stakeholders to ensure smooth logistics and goods flow at Tanjung Priok,” Heru said.
The event, held in North Jakarta, brought together representatives from government agencies, port operators, and industry associations to discuss the future of logistics in the capital.
Syamsu Rosadi, chairman of the conference, said Jakarta’s trucking industry plays a central role in supporting the city’s vision of becoming a global hub.
“The success of Jakarta’s trucking sector sets a benchmark for Aptrindo nationally. We must continue to work together and innovate,” he said, adding that the conference aims to address the evolving demands of global trade and urban logistics.
The Jakarta Provincial Government’s “Jakarta Global” program, which seeks to modernize infrastructure and services, also requires support from the trucking sector, said Ujang Harmawan of the Jakarta Transportation Agency. He stressed the need for eco-friendly and efficient logistics services.
The conference was attended by executives from Pelindo Regional 2, Teluk Lamong Terminal, the Jakarta Chamber of Commerce (Kadin), and police authorities. Leaders from logistics and port associations, including ALFI, APBMI, and ASDEKI, also took part.
The conference will conclude with the election of Aptrindo Jakarta’s new chairman for the 2025–2030 term.