The raid on BL plates by the Governor of North Sumatra (Indonesia), Bobby Nasution, served as a moment of reflection and a decisive decision for some Acehnese. This decision encompasses many aspects: social, administrative, and economic—undoubtedly. It requires a strong will from every individual in Aceh to initiate it, which is actually not difficult.
This decisive decision is to change vehicle plates, both two-wheeled and four-wheeled, from BK plates to BL plates. We are not discussing business vehicles such as freight and passenger vehicles alone.
This is clear: companies domiciled in North Sumatra should ideally use local plates, although this provision must be adjusted to the situation on the ground in several aspects and cannot be generalized. Companies with multiple offices, for example in Aceh and Medan, and with high mobility of goods, people, and services, may have multiple plates from different regions.
This provision is perhaps what Bobby Nasution wanted to overcome, as he clarified. He stated that the incident was not a raid, but rather a socialization of the use of BL plates for companies domiciled in North Sumatra, which will come into effect in 2026.
This incident should also serve as momentum for the Aceh Government to encourage the public to switch to using BL license plates, including private vehicles. In several areas, such as Aceh Tamiang, Langsa, East Aceh, and Lhokseumawe, the number of private vehicles still using BL license plates still outnumbers those using BK license plates.
The large number of two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles using BK plates is readily apparent. People can clearly see BL plate motorcycles and Cars littering Aceh's roads.
There are various reasons why Acehnese people still use BK plates. Some consider it a hassle to transfer from BK (Sumatra Utara) plates to BL (Aceh) plates after purchasing a vehicle in Medan. Others believe that Black License Plate Vehicles are more expensive than Black License Plate Vehicles, although this is not always the case.
Another reason is that vehicle owners have more freedom to use BK plates because they frequently travel to Medan for various business purposes. Stories of discriminatory treatment of BL plate Vehicles by police in North Sumatra are common. When crossing the border, police appear to be looking for faults in BL plate Vehicles. Even small mistakes can lead to lengthy legal action.
Whatever the reason, changing vehicle plates from BK to BL is mandatory. It's unfair that we add to Aceh's air pollution, contribute to the destruction of Aceh's roads, use Aceh's infrastructure, and yet pay taxes to other regions, including North Sumatra.
There's no need to wait for an appeal from the Aceh government or anyone else. This transfer must arise from our own wisdom, to improve the quality of infrastructure in our own region, which we all share.[]
