Impact of Global Energy Crisis, MTI Urges Government to Fix National Transportation Structure
JAKARTA - The Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) emphasized that the global energy crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East must be a strategic momentum for the Indonesian Government. MTI encourages a massive transformation from dependence on private vehicles to a national transportation system based on public transportation.
In a press conference entitled "Momentum of the Energy Crisis: Time for Transformation of the National Transportation System Based on Public Transportation" at Juanda Station, Jakarta (15/4/2026), MTI Chairman Haris Muhammadun said that short-term policies alone are not enough.
Energy Crisis and Transport Sector Vulnerability
According to Haris, the transportation sector is the most vulnerable point because it sucks in more than half of national fuel consumption. Currently, this consumption is dominated by private vehicles.
"Government responses such as fuel restrictions and Work From Home (WFH) are important quick steps. However, it is only a matter of controlling mobility (demand suppression), it has not touched structural transformation," said Haris.
There are 5 fundamental problems of national transportation according to the MTI version:
High Dependence: Private vehicles are still the main mode. Limited Services: Reliable public transportation is not evenly distributed outside major cities. Policy Focus: It is still limited to restricting movement, not providing alternatives. Logistics Not Integrated: The increase in energy prices directly triggers inflation of goods. Misused Subsidies: Fuel subsidies are more enjoyed by private car owners than public transportation.MTI Strategic Recommendations for the Government
MTI proposes a gradual reorientation of energy subsidies. The allocation of subsidies for personal vehicle fuels is suggested to be transferred to operational subsidies and the development of public transportation throughout Indonesia.
National System Transformation Modal Shift: Improve service quality and affordability of fares so that private vehicle users switch to public transportation. Regional Transportation Revitalization: Build a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system in 98 medium cities and revive rural transportation. Logistics Integration: Accelerate the implementation of the National Logistics System (Sislognas) to maintain food price stability. "Quick Wins" (Short Term) PolicyAs an instant solution to the spike in world oil prices, MTI proposes:
Free tariff (free): Implementation of free mass public transportation tariffs in major cities for one month with the support of the state budget. Fleet addition: Procurement of buses quickly through the assignment of SOEs. Special BBM: Provision of special lanes or SPBU for public transportation so that they do not join the queue with private vehicles. Measurable WFH: Implementation of WFH that does not fall on Friday to avoid unproductive mobility (recreation) that wastes fuel.Solutions Based on Local Areas and Domestic Industries
Haris added that the approach of each region must be different. Large cities focus on optimization, medium cities on BRT, while the 3T region (Left Behind, Leading, Outer) can optimize light electric vehicles.
"The energy crisis should not be answered by limiting mobility. Residents must still be able to go to school and work. MTI urges the government to provide stimulus to expand the coverage of public transportation services," said Haris.
MTI also emphasized the importance of strengthening the domestic industry, such as the production of national electric buses and an electric motorcycle conversion program as a low-cost solution that can be implemented quickly.