Evaluation of Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) in Improving Traffic Compliance in Makassar City

Abstract

The implementation of Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) in Indonesia, particularly in Makassar City, represents a significant digital innovation in traffic law enforcement designed to enhance compliance and promote legal transparency. Nevertheless, statistical records reveal that traffic violations captured by ETLE cameras remain remarkably high, exceeding 3.6 million cases in 2025, with only a minor fraction confirmed and settled. This discrepancy underscores the gap between policy objectives and implementation outcomes, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive evaluation. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of ETLE in Makassar City using the CIPP model (Context, Input, Process, Product), with particular emphasis on legality, administrative efficiency, and its implications for legal compliance and regional tax revenue. A qualitative research approach was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews with police officers and road users, analysis of policy documents, and field observations. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 software, enabling thematic coding, mapping of inter-theme relationships, and exploration of both inhibiting and supporting factors affecting policy implementation. The findings demonstrate that ETLE has strengthened the legitimacy of law enforcement by employing electronic recordings as valid evidence and reducing opportunities for unlawful levies. However, policy effectiveness is hindered by limited camera coverage, insufficient public outreach, and weaknesses in the vehicle registration blocking mechanism (STNK). Importantly, the study identifies fiscal implications: ineffective enforcement of STNK blocking has constrained the potential growth of motor vehicle tax revenue. These results suggest that ETLE’s success depends not only on technological advancement, but also on legal legitimacy, procedural fairness, and consistent public communication to cultivate compliance grounded in awareness.