Jakarta. Indonesia’s ambition to have a contactless payment system in its toll roads is still a work in progress as the location and timeline for the trials remain undecided.

Indonesia aims to implement the so-called “multi-lane free flow” or MLFF system to reduce congestion in toll roads by slashing booth queues. It will automatically deduct the drivers’ balance in the app, enabling them to enter toll roads without having to stop at the booth. Spearheading the project is the Hungary-backed tech firm Roatex Indonesia Toll System (RITS). 

About two years ago, the government aimed to have a nationwide MLFF rollout by 2029. Indonesia plans to have small-scale implementations or trials first at selected toll roads. But to this day, tollroad regulator agency BPJT and RITS are still ironing out the technical details.

“We are currently preparing the scenarios. Once the preparations are complete, we will decide the date when we will hold the trial runs,” BPJT head Ni Komang Rasminiati said.

RITS boss Renaldi Utomo stays upbeat about the government’s commitment towards the MLFF. Besides the timeline, the company is still waiting for the decision on where RITS should conduct the tests. Indonesia has opened up the possibilities of trying the MLFF in other toll roads, although the originally planned site Bali remains an option.

“During the transition period, toll barriers may be used,” Renaldi said.

Transportation analyst Anton Budiharjo sees the MLFF as a boon for government data management. 

“It will enable the government to record all transactions digitally, making oversight easier. So if they introduce new policies such as taxing the roads, it should be easier for them to make the calculations,” Anton said.

He suggested that the government try the MLFF in Jakarta, given its infrastructure readiness. Anton added: “Start with one gate first. Expand the system to other gates and eventually reach full implementation as people feel the convenience.”