Evaluating and Strengthening Green Policy Implementation on Indonesian Toll Roads

Abstract

Toll road development plays a significant role in driving economic growth and interregional connectivity. However, it also poses serious environmental challenges such as carbon emissions, land degradation, and high energy consumption. The green toll road concept has emerged through the implementation of green policy that emphasizes sustainability across all stages of development and management. In Indonesia, the Green Toll Road Indonesia (GTRI) standard has been developed by the Green Product Council Indonesia (GPCI), yet its implementation is still uneven across toll roads. This study aims to evaluate the level of green policy implementation, identify gaps between certified and non-certified toll roads, and provide more comprehensive policy strengthening recommendations. The study compares six toll roads using GTRI indicators covering planning, construction, and operational aspects. Gempol–Pandaan and Kunciran–Serpong toll roads are selected as certified examples. Medan–Binjai, Pekanbaru–Dumai, TBPPKA, and JORR-S are analyzed as non-certified roads. Data were collected through interviews and document analysis. The results show a clear difference between certified and non-certified toll roads. Certified roads demonstrate better consistency in applying sustainability principles. Non-certified roads still face challenges such as weak regulations, limited human resources, absence of sustainable SOPs, and lack of stakeholder collaboration. The main recommendation of this study highlights the need to design green policy practices in a more integrated manner, starting from planning, construction, to operation and maintenance. This requires systemic support through regulatory alignment, education, stakeholder collaboration, and green financing to promote more sustainable toll road management in Indonesia.