Transportation Minister Says Electric Bus Procurement Lacks Local Govt Support

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi regrets the lack of regional governments' participation in accelerating the use of electric buses as mass transportation in their respective regions. 

"Don't even mention e-mobility (electric buses) yet, even the use of mass transportation (fossil fuel-based) is lacking," said Budi Karya when met on the sidelines of the Sustainable E-mobility Event in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 21, 2024

In addition, electric buses in the country are still hindered by price disparity. The current prices for electric buses can be 50 percent as expensive as regular transport. As a result, only capable provinces, such as Jakarta, can procure electric buses.

Budi Karya claimed that the central government has stepped in to help regions procure electric buses through the Buy The Service (BTS) program in 10 cities. Currently, two of these cities are already using electric buses.

"Electric buses are already available in Surabaya and Bandung. Hopefully, the Local Budget will include procurement for electric buses (going forward)," said Budi.

On the other hand, Executive Director of the Visi Indonesia Raya Emisi Nol Bersih Foundation (ViriyaENB) Suzanty Sitorus said that public transport is the people’s right that the government must fulfill. However, not all regions strive for universal public transport despite it being one of the indicators of a smart city. 

"We encourage local governments to have integrated public transportation. And since we already have electrification, it's better to go straight to electric buses," said Suzanty. "So if you ask how urgent it is, the local government must have provided it already since it’s the rights of the people, and we support public transport that is integrated and electrified.”

RIRI RAHAYU

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