Government Emphasizes MLFF System is Still in the Pre-Trial Phase

JAKARTA - The government has ensured that the implementation of the non-stop non-cash toll transaction system or Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) is currently still in the pre-trial stage.

The stages include the implementation of functional tests and have not entered the large-scale trial phase.

Head of the Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT) of the Ministry of Public Works (PU) Wilan Oktavian emphasized that the development of MLFF is part of the transformation of the national toll road service system which is carried out gradually and measured.

"The implementation of MLFF cannot be seen only as the implementation of technology, but is a comprehensive system transformation. Therefore, each stage must be carried out carefully so that the system runs optimally and does not pose risks in the field," said Wulan as quoted from a written statement, Friday, April 17.

Apart from the technological aspect, user readiness is a key factor in the implementation of MLFF.

Even though the penetration of smartphone use in the community is relatively high, there are still challenges related to digital literacy, access to technology, and user compliance in following the applicable system.

"Adopting a new system requires behavioral readiness. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare an adaptation and socialization process so that the public can use this system well," he said.

On the other hand, the readiness of the ecosystem is also a major concern of the government. Coordination continues to be carried out with the MLFF Implementing Business Entity (BUP) and stakeholders, including in the coordination of regulations, system integration, data security, and operational support.

With this approach, MLFF is expected to improve traffic flow, travel efficiency, and the quality of toll road services on an ongoing basis.

The MLFF project was first discussed in 2021 and its implementation plan has been postponed several times. Since it was tested at the end of December 2023 on the Bali Mandara Toll Road, there has been no further news from the implementation plan for the project.

Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo said that there were a number of technical and non-technical problems that made the implementation of the MLFF not implemented.

"MLFF is still in process. There are some technical and non-technical problems, but we have resolved everything. However, it takes time to settle because it is related to many parties. Not only the Ministry of PU and the initiator of MLFF, but also many related parties because there are technical and non-technical problems," said Dody at the Ministry of PU office, Jakarta, Friday, March 6.

The Ministry of PU through BPJT continues to process to resolve various obstacles together with related parties.

The plan is for the MLFF trial to be held two or three more times before finally deciding on the continuation of the project.