ITDP: Public Transportation Reform Must Spread Beyond Jakarta

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) stated that regions outside of Jakarta must conduct public transportation reform. Interim Director of ITDP Indonesia Gonggomtua Sitanggang said that the regional government outside of Jakarta must use electric vehicles or buses to improve public services.

"The public transportation in the regions must be reformed with a clear regional-owned-enterprise (BUMD) or regional public services agency (BLUD)," he said in a discussion of air pollution in Jakarta on Sunday, October 15, as quoted by Antara.

Gonggom mentioned that the reformation requires more comprehensive planning to ensure smooth-sailing development. The planning also must be in line with the government's duty for public service obligation to ensure a precise subsidy in the matter.

If a region wishes to conduct an electrification effort for its public transportation following Jakarta's steps, Gonggom said, the facilities must be available. These facilities include charging stations for the vehicles and the trip routes.

The effort must also be supported by the government. "The government must have the knowledge to operate electric-based public transportation and its technology," he said.

meanwhile, an automotive expert from ITB Yannes Pasaribu mentioned that there are some challenges faced while transitioning from conventional public transportation to electric buses. "We are currently experiencing a shift in paradigm from fuel-based conventional vehicles into the electric ones," he said. 

ANTARA

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