Automotive Safety Standards and Regulations in Indonesia

Indonesia enforces strict automotive safety standards for petrol, EV cars, and motorbikes to ensure road safety. Regulations mandate airbags, ABS, seatbelts, crash safety, emission controls, and SNI-certified helmets. EV-specific rules focus on battery safety, shock protection, and charging compliance. Government campaigns promote safer designs and road awareness, while future plans include ADAS implementation by 2028 and advanced EV protocols. By aligning with global benchmarks, Indonesia fosters a safer and more sustainable driving culture through collaboration among government, manufacturers, and consumers.

Also read: Top 10 Safety Features For Cars in Indonesia

Compulsory Safety Standards for All Vehicles in Indonesia

1. Roadworthiness Test (Uji KIR)

• All motor vehicles in Indonesia, whether private cars, commercial vehicles, or motorcycles, are to be tested periodically for roadworthiness.
• It checks the brake performance, lighting systems, conditions of the tires, emission, and all the safety aspects.

2. Mandatory Safety Gadgets

• Airbags: The Government strictly requires at least dual airbags in each passenger vehicle.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): An absolute necessity on all cars which, during emergency braking, prevents wheels from locking up and skidding.
• Seatbelts: Cars need to be well provided with seatbelts for its passengers in the rear seats, which must be used by each of the passengers.
• Safety Standards through Crash Testings: Vehicles need to be crash tested for their front and side impact safety toward passengers.

Electric Vehicles Safety Standards

Specific safety standards by the Government to address the problems of electric vehicles are:

1. Battery Safety

• Thermal management and fire resistance should be met in Electric Vehicles. Thus, the risks of overheating and fires within the batteries must not occur.
• A Battery Management System (BMS) is supposed to monitor temperature, charge, and voltage within the battery.

2. Electric Shock Protection

• Vehicles must have adequate insulation and automatic disconnect mechanisms to protect occupants and repair personnel from electric shocks.
• Ground fault detection systems are mandatory to mitigate electrical hazards.

3. Crash Safety for EVs

• The battery must be designed to resist impact forces to avoid leakage or fire during collision.
• The crashworthiness standards followed by EVs should be the same as those of ICE vehicles.

4. Regulations for Charging Infrastructure

• Public EV chargers are required to meet international safety standards, including over-current protection, short circuit protection, and emergency shutoff mechanisms.
• Standardized connectors and communication protocols are enforced to ensure compatibility across charging networks.

Motorbike Safety Regulations

Motorcycles are the most popular mode of transportation in Indonesia, making their safety regulations equally critical:

1. Helmet Standards

• Riders and pillion passengers must wear helmets that meet Indonesian National Standard (SNI) requirements.
• Helmets must have clear visors, impact-resistant shells, and proper fastening systems.

2. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

• For motorcycles with engine capacities above 125cc, ABS is compulsory for better braking.

3. Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)

• All motorcycles sold in Indonesia should have DRLs to enhance the visibility of motorcycles during the day.

4. Reflectors and Signal Indicators

• Bikes must include reflective panels and properly functioning signal indicators to enhance nighttime and poor-weather visibility.

5. Emissions Control

• Bikes must meet specific emission standards as part of the Government’s efforts to reduce air pollution.

Also read: Guide to Buying a Used Car in Indonesia

Key Safety Campaigns by the Indonesian Government

1. Safe Vehicle Design Policies

The Government collaborates with automobile manufacturers to encourage the production of safer vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and collision avoidance systems.

2. Road Safety Awareness

Regular public campaigns highlight the importance of seatbelt and helmet use, safe driving practices, and adherence to traffic laws.

3. Zero Emissions and Safety Integration

As the country pushes toward zero-emission mobility, combining EV innovation with enhanced safety standards ensures eco-friendliness without compromising road safety.

Future Developments in Safety Regulations

Indonesia is planning to bring its automotive safety standards on par with the international level for better road safety. The Government has identified the following areas of improvement:

• Installation of ADAS as Compulsory Fitment: Automatic emergency braking and blind-spot detection will be made mandatory fitment in all vehicles by 2028.
• Smart Helmet Regulation for Motorcyclists: Communication devices and accident detection systems may be integrated into helmets.
• Reinforced Safety for EVs: Expectations are that battery safety will emerge with solid-state battery technology advancements.

The Role of Industry and Consumers

Manufacturer Responsibility

Automobile manufacturers have a crucial role to play in safety regulations. They are responsible for designing crashworthy structures to life-saving features on vehicles.

Consumer Awareness

Safety regulations will be effective only if consumers take an active role in buying vehicles with good safety features and following traffic rules.

Also read: Automotive Component Manufacturing in Indonesia

Conclusion

Automotive safety standards and regulations are very important in Indonesia, where the number of vehicles is on the rise, sharing congested urban roads and challenging rural terrains. The Government not only protects lives but also fosters a responsible and secure driving culture by mandating essential safety features.

The continuous shift towards EVs makes it even more critical to have strong regulations, especially as the automobile industry is expanding rapidly in sync with technological developments. Though issues such as road infrastructure and consumer compliance still exist, Indonesia’s emphasis on improving automotive safety puts it on a promising track toward a safer future.

With collaborative efforts by the Government, manufacturers, and consumers, such safety standards have significantly contributed to a sustainable and secure automotive market in Indonesia.