Smart City: 5 Advanced Transportation Modes to Operate in Indonesia's New Capital

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government claims that the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) will become a world-class smart city with an intelligent transportation system. 

"One of the public service domains that will be presented in IKN is smart transportation and mobility which will transform the way people get around," said the Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation of the IKN Authority, Mohammed Ali Berawi, on April 26.

At the time, Ali said his agency was trying to generate a proof of concept, or PoC, for smart transportation. The following are several advanced transportation that are expected to operate in IKN:  

1. Trackless Train

The trackless train or ART is expected to carry over 300 passengers in 3 carriages in one trip. After one charge, ART will be able to travel up to 70 kilometers.

Autonomous trams use rubber tires to move on the road. Although shaped similarly to trains, this transportation mode is directed by virtual road markings. Able to move forward and backward, the trams’ path uses sensors with light detection and ranging (Lidar) and GPS. 

ART is expected to become Indonesia’s first battery-powered mass transportation and uses road markings. 

2. Sky Taxi

The IKN Authority is also testing a battery-powered or electricity-powered sky taxi of the optionally piloted personal/passenger air vehicle (OPPAV) type. 

To develop the prototype, the IKN Authority worked with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and Hyundai Motors Company (HMC). After being tested, the drone was able to fly for approximately 10 minutes at a 50-meter height at a speed of 50 kmh.

Citing KARI’s official website, OPPAV is said to be able to do vertical take-off and landing and travel at a maximum speed of 240 kmh. OPPAV has dimensions of 6.15 meters, with a wingspan of 7 meters and a payload weight of 100 kilograms. Sky taxis will be capable of traveling up to 50 kilometers.

3. MRT and High-speed Trains

City trains such as mass rapid transit (MRT) and high-speed trains are also expected to operate in IKN after 2024. Both of the transportation modes will connect IKN with partner cities in the Kalimantan region, such as Balikpapan.

4. Integrated Bus (BRT)

Referring to the explanation of the IKN Authority, electric bus rapid transit or BRT is a comfortable, fast, and low-cost bus-based mass transit system. BRT implementation in IKN was confirmed through Presidential Regulation Number 63 of 2022 concerning the Details of the Master Plan for the Nusantara Capital City.

5. Electric Vehicles with Toll Roads Charging

The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) is exploring the construction of supporting transportation facilities, in the form of toll road asphalt that can charge electric vehicles when passing through IKN. While it’s still being developed, several European countries have implemented the concept of charging roads. 

MELYNDA DWI PUSPITA

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