Indonesia, a country with a rapidly growing urban population and rising greenhouse gas emissions, is taking significant steps towards automated and electric public transit. The nation’s commitment to reducing emissions through sustainable transport solutions could serve as a model for other developing countries.

Indonesia actively integrates automated and electric public transportation, focusing primarily on buses and trains. This shift aims to address urban congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance mobility across the country’s bustling cities.

The capital city Jakarta has led this transition with its Transjakarta bus rapid transit (BRT) system. The city has initiated electric bus deployment and set an ambitious target of transitioning its entire fleet to 10,047 electric buses by 2030. Comprehensive data on emission reduction specifically attributed to automated public transport systems in Indonesia has not been widely published. While the exact emission reduction figure might be unclear, the expansion of public transport systems like Transjakarta in Jakarta is generally recognized as a positive step towards reducing traffic congestion and associated emissions.

Indonesia is also exploring autonomous rail transit (ART), a rubber-tired tram system that operates on dedicated pathways. The first ART project is planned for Nusantara, Indonesia’s upcoming new capital. This system is designed to combine the efficiency of rail transport with the flexibility of a bus system, making it an ideal urban transit solution.

Daily Passenger Numbers and Service Usage

Indonesia’s public transport sector serves millions of people daily.

• Railways: In January 2024 alone, the country’s railways transported approximately 34.13 million passengers, highlighting the significance of train travel in Indonesia’s urban and intercity mobility.
• Transjakarta BRT: Jakarta’s Transjakarta system, one of the largest BRT networks in the world, carries hundreds of thousands of passengers daily, demonstrating the strong demand for efficient public transport.

Cost and Accessibility

Public transport remains an affordable option for most Indonesians:

• Transjakarta: The BRT system offers low-cost fares, making it accessible to a broad population segment.
• Autonomous Rail Transit: While ART fare structures are still being developed, affordability remains a priority to encourage widespread adoption.

By keeping fares low and expanding electrified transport options, Indonesia ensures that green mobility solutions remain accessible to all citizens.

Trends in Public Transport Usage

Over the past decade, public transport usage in Indonesia has fluctuated. The rise in private vehicle ownership has contributed to congestion and increased emissions. However, government initiatives to improve and expand public transport networks are reversing this trend.

• Increasing Public Transport Adoption: Efforts to modernize transit systems, such as integrating electric buses and ART, are expected to attract more users.
• Projected Growth: According to Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), Indonesia aims to electrify 10% of its public transport fleet by 2025 and 90% by 2030, signalling a strong commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite these advancements, several challenges remain:

• Energy Source Transition: Indonesia’s reliance on coal for electricity generation reduces the environmental benefits of electrified transport. Greater investments in renewable energy are needed to maximize sustainability.
• Infrastructure Development: Expanding charging and maintenance facilities for electric buses and ART systems requires substantial funding and policy support.
• Public Awareness and Behaviour Change: Encouraging citizens to switch from private vehicles to public transport is a cultural and behavioural challenge that requires continuous advocacy and incentives.

Conclusion

Indonesia’s commitment to automated and electric public transport is a promising step toward sustainable urban mobility. With ambitious targets for electrification and expanding transit networks, the country is paving the way for a greener future. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on continued investments, supportive policies, and a transition to renewable energy sources.

This post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Indonesia Country Manager Netra Naik.