The Discussion on Escort Only for the President and Vice President, What Are the Official Rules of the Police?

Kapanlagi.com - The discussion regarding the limitation of the use of patrols and escorts (patwal) for state officials' vehicles has resurfaced. The Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) proposes that the right to an escort be granted only to the President and Vice President, not to all heads of state institutions. This proposal arises amidst the increasing cases of escorts that have sparked controversy among the public.

The phenomenon of official vehicles being escorted to the point of causing traffic jams or incidents on the road is becoming more frequent. One of the latest examples is the RI 36 official vehicle that went viral on social media because its escort was deemed disruptive to other road users. This situation has sparked a heated debate: Do all state officials still have the right to an escort, or should there be certain limitations?

However, before any changes to the rules are implemented, it is important to understand how the current escort system for state officials' vehicles works. Based on existing regulations, the Police have full authority to regulate the escort of vehicles on the road. Summarized from various sources by Kapanlagi.com on Friday (31/1/2025), here are the official rules regarding escorts and the implications of the proposed limitations. Let’s delve deeper!

1. MTI Suggests Escort Vehicles Only for the President and Vice President

The Deputy Chair of Empowerment and Regional Development of MTI, Djoko Setijowarno, expressed his sharp views on vehicle escorts, emphasizing that this privilege should only be enjoyed by the President and Vice President. According to him, the proliferation of escorted vehicles for officials actually adds to the congestion in Jakarta and other major cities.

"Every day, more than a hundred vehicles require escorts, and this makes the roads of Jakarta increasingly crowded, creating stress for road users with the continuous blaring of sirens," Djoko explained, as reported by ANTARA (27/1/2025).

He also stressed that the roads are built with taxpayers' money, so the public should have the same rights to use them. Thus, limiting vehicle escorts is considered a fair step for the comfort of all road users.

2. Seeking Justice and Efficiency on the Highway

Djoko presented arguments emphasizing the importance of justice and efficiency in the use of highways, which are built from taxpayers' money. He argues that every citizen has the right to enjoy smooth and comfortable road access.

By limiting the use of red-plate official vehicles only to the President and Vice President, Djoko hopes to achieve justice for all road users and improve efficiency in the utilization of public infrastructure. This is a concrete step towards collective welfare, where everyone can feel the benefits of the facilities they have financed.

3. Official Police Regulations on Vehicle Escorting

According to Government Regulation (PP) Number 43 of 1993, there are several vehicles entitled to priority on the highway. Article 65 paragraph 1 regulates the order of vehicles that must be prioritized in traffic, starting from fire trucks on duty, ambulances carrying patients, to the vehicles of the President and Vice President along with foreign state guests.

Additionally, funeral processions and convoys for special purposes are also included in this priority list. On the other hand, Article 34 Paragraph 2 emphasizes that all road users must comply with the orders of police officers escorting these priority vehicles.

Interestingly, this regulation does not explicitly govern other state officials, which has become a hot topic of debate in discussions regarding the restriction of the use of escort vehicles.

4. What Are the Impacts if Escort Vehicles Are Limited?

If this plan is implemented, a number of officials who are used to being escorted will be required to adapt to public transportation. This could be a breath of fresh air for the residents of Jakarta, with reduced traffic congestion caused by convoys of official vehicles and an increased sense of fairness on the roads.

Djoko Setijowarno from MTI suggested that officials should use public transportation more often, considering that the service coverage has reached 89.5% of Jakarta's area.

"By using public transport, officials will better understand the conditions of the community and become more sensitive to the transportation issues faced by residents," he said.

This is a step towards better change, where officials and the community can experience smoother and more connected roads.

5. Controversy Over the Use of Escort Vehicles for State Officials

In recent years, the use of escorts by state officials has come under public scrutiny and has sparked much controversy. One incident that emerged was the convoy of vehicle RI 36, where its escort was deemed arrogant while managing traffic, causing many road users to feel sidelined.

In addition, several non-executive officials have also often been seen using escorts that are considered disproportionate, triggering a wave of criticism from the public. On the other hand, there is an argument stating that escorts for state officials are still necessary for their security and the smooth execution of their duties.

Therefore, if there are plans to implement new regulations, it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation so that the needs of officials are accommodated without neglecting the rights of the public as road users.

6. What Are the Next Steps?

The discourse regarding the restriction of official vehicle escorts (patwal) is still in the proposal stage and has not yet become an official decision. However, if this plan is taken seriously, the government and the police need to review the regulations governing the escort of state officials.

Some steps that can be taken include revising the Traffic Law and Government Regulation Number 43 of 1993, evaluating which officials truly require escorts, developing a more friendly transportation system for state officials, and strict supervision of individuals who abuse escort facilities.

It is hoped that these steps can provide solutions that are beneficial for all parties, both the government and the wider community.

7. What is patwal and who is entitled to receive it?

Patwal, or vehicle escort patrol, is a priority guarantee on the road for certain vehicles that require quick and safe access. According to applicable regulations, vehicles entitled to this special treatment include ambulances carrying lives, fire trucks fighting fires, as well as the official vehicles of the President and Vice President, and cars involved in accident rescue missions.

8. Do all state officials have the right to patwal?

Currently, patwal is only granted to heads of state institutions, but there is an interesting discourse proposing that only the President and Vice President should be entitled to such escorts.

9. What is the impact if patwal is only for the President and Vice President?

The existence of this solution could bring various interesting benefits, such as reducing traffic congestion that often disrupts travel, creating a sense of justice among road users, and encouraging officials to prefer public transportation in their daily activities.

10. What are the sanctions for the abuse of escort rights?

Violators who intentionally abuse escort rights may face serious consequences, including criminal sanctions and fines as regulated by applicable Traffic Laws. Such actions not only tarnish the image of responsible road users but can also lead to strict legal action.

(kpl/srr)