By: Hanif Ridho
The government has once again reaffirmed its commitment to promoting economic equity through a nationwide toll discount policy. This initiative is not only a technical solution for managing traffic flow during the school holiday period, but also part of a broader strategy to boost economic activity across various regions. A 20 percent toll discount was implemented during the periods of June 27–29, 2025, and July 11–13, 2025—following a similar discount during Eid al-Adha—as a tangible government policy that directly addresses public needs.
This discount is being offered by several Toll Road Business Entities (BUJTs) managing key sections of the Trans-Java and Trans-Sumatra highways. The measure not only eases travel costs for road users but also strengthens the role of toll road infrastructure in connecting economic growth centers beyond metropolitan areas. Reduced travel costs are expected to encourage people to travel, especially to tourist destinations and productive economic zones, thereby stimulating local economic circulation.
From a fiscal policy perspective, this toll discount falls within a carefully designed economic stimulus framework. Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati explained that the toll discount is part of a broader transport incentive package aimed at maintaining domestic consumption momentum. The government has allocated a total of IDR 0.94 trillion to fund transportation discounts for other modes, including trains, airplanes, and ships. Meanwhile, the toll discount is initiated through a non-state budget policy coordinated between the Ministry of Public Works and BUJTs.
Herzaky Mahendra Putra, Special Staff at the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, stated that this policy was the result of planning that prioritized direct economic benefits for the people. The government ensures that every rupiah spent on this initiative yields a significant impact, particularly in helping the public manage travel costs while maintaining national economic growth momentum.
The benefits of toll rate discounts go beyond consumers. The policy also positively affects the service sector and MSMEs spread throughout the regions. Increased public mobility during the school holidays boosts visits to tourist sites, culinary hubs, and small industry centers. The resulting economic activity directly increases income for local entrepreneurs, who form a vital part of the national economic structure.
Adjib Al Hakim, Executive Vice President Corporate Secretary of PT Hutama Karya, noted that toll rate discounts not only serve as a traffic management tool but also help restore public mobility. According to him, this measure is essential for maintaining smooth traffic on toll roads while supporting economic recovery for communities in the post-pandemic period. Selective price cuts during holiday periods are expected to encourage more families to take road trips, particularly to regions that have been less accessible.
The policy has been positively received by the public. Many people feel that the toll discount eases the burden of long-distance travel, especially for large families or group travelers. The cost savings not only facilitate mobility but also enhance purchasing power, as the remaining travel budget can be allocated to other needs such as food, lodging, and buying local products. As such, toll discounts serve as a tool to stimulate domestic consumption, indirectly supporting the government’s economic growth targets.
The government ensures that this toll discount policy does not stand alone. As part of the mid-2025 economic stimulus strategy, six complementary incentive packages have been launched. All are aimed at maintaining national economic growth around the five percent mark. In this context, the toll rate discount becomes an essential component in creating consistent momentum, especially during periods when consumer activity typically dips after major holidays such as Eid and Christmas.
Furthermore, the policy is part of a strategic effort to reduce regional disparities. Toll roads—as the backbone of national connectivity—not only accelerate the distribution of goods and services but also open up new economic access in previously underserved areas. By offering toll rate incentives, the government indirectly channels economic activity toward these regions. When travel becomes more affordable and efficient, people are more inclined to explore new areas with high growth potential.
The toll discount policy also reflects a new paradigm in fiscal and infrastructure management. The government demonstrates that development is not only about building physical roads but also about leveraging existing infrastructure to accelerate economic equity. With integrated stimuli from both fiscal policy and the real sector, the benefits of development can be felt more equally by all segments of society.
Such measures show that the government’s development strategy is not solely focused on growth figures but also on fair distribution of benefits. The toll rate discount is not merely a technical policy—it is part of a broader design to promote regional growth balance, strengthen household purchasing power, and ensure that Indonesia’s economy grows on a foundation that is inclusive and sustainable.
The author is a Public Policy Analyst.
