CurveIndonesia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Indonesia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


12. Curve

A curve is a section of road that changes direction to the left or right. A sharp, unexpected or poorly visible curve can reduce a driver’s view of approaching traffic, stopped vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards.

Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within their lane and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Warning signs may indicate the direction of the first curve or a series of successive curves.

Curve
Warning for a double curve first to the left then right. (Rhombus, Indonesia)
Wikimedia.org • CEphoto, Uwe Aranas • CC BY-SA
What makes a bend dangerous in Indonesia?

A bend can shorten the visible road and reduce the margin for correcting an error. Slow before entering and maintain control within the distance you can see to be clear. Grip, traffic and hidden road users can require a speed well below the posted maximum.

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • Indonesia — Act Articles 103–106, 108–121: actual controls, safe speed and lawful manoeuvres

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • BPK — Law 6/2023, Article 55, amendments to Act 22/2009

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • PM 13/2014 — full national traffic-sign regulation and illustrated annexes

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • BPK — current PM 13/2014 status and repeal of old KM 61/1993

How should you approach a sharp curve in Indonesia?

Slow down before the bend, select the correct lane position, look through the curve and steer smoothly. Keep enough grip and visible stopping distance for the road and weather conditions.

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • Indonesia — Act Articles 103–106, 108–121: actual controls, safe speed and lawful manoeuvres

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • BPK — Law 6/2023, Article 55, amendments to Act 22/2009

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • PM 13/2014 — full national traffic-sign regulation and illustrated annexes

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • BPK — current PM 13/2014 status and repeal of old KM 61/1993

Is overtaking safe on a blind bend in Indonesia?

No. Do not start overtaking where your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed or where signs or road markings prohibit it. Wait until there is a lawful, clear and sufficiently long view ahead.

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • Indonesia — Act Articles 103–106, 108–121: actual controls, safe speed and lawful manoeuvres

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • BPK — Law 6/2023, Article 55, amendments to Act 22/2009

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • PM 13/2014 — full national traffic-sign regulation and illustrated annexes

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • BPK — current PM 13/2014 status and repeal of old KM 61/1993

1 Indonesia 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bridge 5 Toll road 6 Slope 7 Roundabout 8 Pedestrian crossing 9 Railway crossing 10 Turn prohibition 11 School area 12 Curve 13 Priority at the next junction 14 Traffic lights 15 Driving licence 16 Parking 17 No parking 18 No stopping 19 Reversing 20 U-turn 21 Uncontrolled crossroad 22 Licence plate 23 Bus 24 Police 25 Ambulance 26 Pothole 27 Path 28 Particulates 29 Air pollution 30 Rush hour 31 Road code 32 Street gutter 33 Cargo bike 34 Forestry vehicle 35 Construction vehicle 36 Semi-trailer truck 37 Trolleybus 38 Speed pedelec 39 Delivery vehicle 40 Idling 41 Tow truck 42 Four-wheel drive 43 Bicycle 44 Motorcycle equipment 45 Rail track 46 Caravan 47 Trailer 48 Tow hitch 49 Fire truck 50 Siren 51 Convoy 52 Emergency vehicle lighting 53 Agricultural machinery 54 Electric bicycle 55 Electric vehicle 56 Pedelec 57 Quadricycle 58 Microcar 59 All-terrain vehicle 60 Van 61 Recreational vehicle 62 Scooter 63 Trikke 64 Personal mobility device 65 Skateboard 66 Segway 67 Kick scooter 68 Roller skates 69 Mailman 70 Hitchhiker 71 Toddler 72 Child 73 Disability 74 Rickshaw 75 Motorail 76 km/h 77 mph 78 Speedometer 79 Ride height 80 Dirt road 81 Driving 82 Start-stop system 83 Manual transmission 84 Automatic transmission 85 Throttle 86 Tachometer 87 Steering wheel 88 Power steering 89 Visual scanning 90 Mirror 91 Fuel 92 Fuel gauge 93 Petrol 94 Diesel 95 Diesel exhaust fluid 96 Car insurance 97 First aid kit 98 Fire extinguisher 99 High-visibility clothing 100 First aid ...