Jakarta, MINING – The South Sumatra Provincial Government has officially prohibited coal transport trucks from operating on public roads. This policy aims to regulate mining transport activities while protecting public safety and road infrastructure conditions. The prohibition is outlined in South Sumatra Governor’s Instruction No. 500.11/004/INSTRUCTION/DISHUB/2025 on the Use of Dedicated Mining Roads for Coal Transport Vehicles in South Sumatra Province. Under this instruction, all coal transport vehicles must stop using public roads—including national, provincial, and regency/city roads—and fully switch to dedicated mining roads.

“Mandate coal transport vehicles to cease using public roads and switch to dedicated mining roads,” states the Fourth Dictum of the policy issued on July 2, 2025. The policy takes effect on January 1, 2026, requiring every coal mining company to ensure all its coal transport activities use dedicated mining roads. “Ensure the acceleration of dedicated mining road construction in respective areas, and as of January 1, 2026, all coal transport is prohibited from using public roads,” reads the Fifth Dictum.

Even after a week of implementation, violations persist on the ground. Several mining companies are reported to still discreetly use public roads for coal transport. Some companies have temp...