Two-wheeler safety standards in Indonesia are considered to lag behind those of other countries, despite the continued annual increase in two-wheeler usage. R. Sony Sulaksono Wibowo, a transportation expert at the Bandung Institute of Technology, stated that this gap has contributed to a high number of accident-related fatalities.

The protection gap exists because modern safety features are typically available only to consumers who can afford higher-end vehicles. This situation places road users with limited financial means at greater risk of accidents.

"Current safety policies are not yet able to provide equal protection for all road users," said Sony Sulaksono Wibowo.

This disparity is regarded as a violation of the public's right to equal safety on the roads, regardless of vehicle price. Sony stated that existing government policies do not fully accommodate comprehensive protection for all groups.

"Road safety should be the right of all road users, not dependent on the ability to purchase a vehicle. However, existing policies have not been able to provide equal protection," he added.

Despite reported declines in incident rates, economic losses from traffic accidents continue to exceed IDR 3 trillion (US$ 174 million). The two-wheeler sector remains the largest contributor to these losses, according to data from the Association of Indonesian Motorcycle Industry (AISI), which indicates annual sales of approximately 6 million units.

"Fatal accidents can be prevented if there are strong safety standards for two-wheeled vehicles," Sony stated.

The adoption of modern braking technology is considered a measure to reduce the risk of skidding during sudden braking. Although widely implemented internationally, such features are still viewed in Indonesia as increasing production costs.

"This modern braking feature is useful for preventing fatal accidents and is recognised in many countries. However, in Indonesia, this safety aspect is often seen as a cost burden," Sony added.

Indonesia has an existing regulatory framework through UN Regulation No. 78 and the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement. However, the technical implementation of global braking standards remains limited compared with Malaysia, which has mandated such standards for two-wheelers with engine capacities of 150 cc or more since 2025.

"All these additional features will certainly increase the investment value of a vehicle. However, I am confident that the Indonesian public can be informed about the safety benefits of such technology," said Yusuf Nugroho, Director of Road Transportation Facilities and Safety at the Ministry of Transportation Indonesia.

Strengthening safety regulations is considered a measure that does not place a significant burden on the state budget. This approach may provide protection more quickly than relying on gradual behavioural changes among road users.

"Strengthening regulations on two-wheeled vehicle safety standards is the most rational instrument. It does not require large costs, does not rely on slow behavioural changes, and can immediately deliver more equitable protection standards on the roads," Sony stated.

Data from the Ministry of Transportation recorded 155,443 traffic accidents across Indonesia in 2025. Of these, approximately 75,000 fatalities were reported, representing a ratio of 26.33 deaths per 100,000 people.

"This represents a figure nearly three times the target set under the National General Plan for Safety (RUNK)," said Saadiah Uluputty, Member of Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives.