Benefits of Using Electric Buses, Make Life More Economical and Healthy

Public Transportation and Energy Transition Discussion (Yesica Sitinjak/VOI)

JAKARTA - When fuel prices rise, almost all aspects of life are affected, including public transportation costs which are likely to increase. This condition is further exacerbated by the current energy crisis.

Throughout 2023, Indonesia spent around 22 billion dollars or more than Rp335 trillion just for fuel imports. This of course affects the economy, future energy security, and puts a burden on the community.

Therefore, the use of electric-based transportation, such as electric buses, can provide a more economical and healthy lifestyle for the community. Director of Road Transport of the Ministry of Transportation, Muiz Thohir, said that this has also been included in the government's plan.

"The Ministry of Transportation has placed the electrification of public transportation as one of the priorities in the 2025-2029 policy. This transformation requires the role of all parties," said Muiz, during a discussion on Public Transportation and Energy Transition: Has Indonesia Built the Right and Resilient System?, in Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

This commitment is based on the roadmap for the electrification of urban public transportation compiled by the Ministry of Transportation together with the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) Indonesia.

With the target of 100 percent of buses in large cities using electricity in 2045, greenhouse gas emissions are projected to fall by 41 percent and fuel consumption can be saved by around 392 thousand kiloliters each year. However, this plan must also be supported by good public transportation management.

"Without good public transportation governance, electric buses only replace the engine on the same system-before-efficient system. On the other hand, when public transportation reforms go hand in hand with electrification, the benefits can be locked in the long term," explained ITDP Indonesia Deputy Director, Deliani Siregar.

In addition to being part of the national energy security strategy, the shift to electric-based transportation also presents wider benefits for the community. Some of them are as follows.

- Reducing air pollution, with no exhaust fumes coming out on the highway making urban air better to breathe, so the body is healthier. - Smoother travel, where the engine vibration is much less than a regular bus, providing a more comfortable sitting experience. - Stable tariffs, with more efficient maintenance and electricity costs potentially maintaining the stability of public service tariffs in the long term and more economical.

"The efficiency of the operating costs of electric buses, which are 30 to 40 percent lower than diesel buses, also opens up opportunities to provide more affordable services for millions of passengers every day," concluded Deliani.