Indonesia's ETLE System Adds Facial Recognition to Track Traffic Offenders

Indonesia's Traffic Corps has integrated facial recognition technology into its Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) system, enhancing its ability to identify traffic violators. This advanced system can now pinpoint offenders even when they employ fake license plates or operate vehicles without any plates at all.

Brig. Gen. I Made Agus Prasatya, Director of Law Enforcement at the Traffic Corps, announced the initiative, which operates under the guidance of Traffic Corps chief Insp. Gen. Wibowo. Data from the Traffic Corps reveals that ETLE cameras recorded 16,812 license plate-related violations in the first half of 2026. Motorcyclists were responsible for a significant majority, accounting for 77.24 percent of these infractions.

The facial recognition technology allows ETLE cameras to identify drivers by cross-referencing their images with population records managed by Indonesia's Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration. This capability is crucial for verifying a driver's identity, particularly when license plates are altered, obscured, or missing entirely. Beyond bolstering the accuracy of traffic law enforcement, the system is expected to aid police in investigating crimes committed on public roads and ensuring that traffic violation notices reach the correct individuals.

Agus emphasized the Traffic Corps' commitment to technology-based enforcement through ETLE, alongside a "more humane policing approach." He stated, "We are not proud of issuing penalties. Law enforcement is our last resort." The primary goal, he added, is to encourage public compliance and enhance road safety, order, and legal certainty through the ETLE system and technological advancements.

“

We are not proud of issuing penalties. Law enforcement is our last resort. Our priority is to encourage public compliance through the ETLE system and the use of technology so that road safety, order, and legal certainty can be achieved.