SlopeIndonesia

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.


6. Slope

A slope is a section of road that rises or descends noticeably. A steep slope can affect vehicle speed, braking distance, traction, visibility and the ability of heavy or low-powered vehicles to maintain a steady speed.

Warning signs may indicate a steep ascent or dangerous descent and may show the gradient as a percentage. Drivers should adjust their speed early, select a suitable gear and remain prepared for slow vehicles, bends and changing road conditions.

Steep-gradient warning sign. (Indonesia)
Wikimedia.org • CEphoto, Uwe Aranas • CC BY-SA
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Indonesia?

Indonesian warning signs distinguish uphill and downhill hazards. The Traffic and Transport Act requires attention to signs, road conditions and safe speed.

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • Indonesia — Act Articles 109 and 111

🔗 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 I approach a steep descent in Indonesia?

Reduce speed before the descent and select a suitable gear to help control the vehicle. Keep enough following distance and avoid building up speed that requires continuous heavy braking. A warning gives no fixed safe descent speed: the gradient, surface, visibility, load and vehicle can require a speed well below the legal maximum.

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • Indonesia — Act Articles 109 and 111

🔗 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

What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in Indonesia?

On an uphill or downhill road too narrow for vehicles to pass each other, Article 111 requires the downhill driver to give the uphill vehicle an opportunity to proceed. Article 109 also requires a clear view and enough space before overtaking. Do not attempt a pass towards a blind crest.

🔗 peraturan.bpk.go.id • Indonesia — Act Articles 109 and 111

🔗 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 ...