For Observers, Transjakarta Subsidy Tariffs Can Be Regulated Based On The UMP

PT Transport Jakarta (TransJakarta) has started operating the Cawang-Halim Railroad Jakarta Bandung (KCJB) service route which is integrated with the high-speed train (WHOS). (ANTARA/Ho/PT TransJakarta)

JAKARTA - Transportation Observer from the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) Djoko Setijowarno said public transportation subsidies for the public could be regulated based on the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP).

This was said by Djoko in connection with Transjakarta's efforts to implement an account-based system ticketing (ABT) test which will later be able to regulate subsidized and non-subsidized citizen rates based on ID cards.

"So this is divided into those above the UMP, under the UMP so that later they can subsidize each other," said MTI Observer Djoko Setijowarno, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, October 9.

He also said that if the ABT system had been implemented TransJakarta, it could apply a special tariff set based on a certain departure time.

"Later, you can also apply special rates at a certain time, for example, in the morning it can be cheaper Rp. 2,000. So people are competing to ride TransJakarta," he said.

To add public interest, he said, TransJakarta can apply subscription rates that can be cheaper. In addition, special packages that directly connect with other public transportation such as MRT, LRT to Fast Trains can also be carried out.

Regarding the discourse on increasing TransJakarta rates, Djoko Setijowarno said that the price adjustment to Rp5,000 is a natural thing because public transportation has been holding for 19 years at a rate of Rp. 3,500.

"The TransJakarta tariff since it first operated on January 15, 2004 until now is Rp. 3,500. It has been more than 19 years since the tariff has not changed. That is the longest in the world," he said.

The increase in TJ rates, Djoko continued, also helped reduce government subsidies. In addition, tariff adjustments have also been quite balanced with the increasing Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) of DKI Jakarta.

"Lastly, I checked that the DKI Jakarta UMP has reached Rp. 4,901,798. So, the increase in TJ rates of Rp. 1,500 is appropriate to apply," he said.

Djoko also said that TransJakarta managers should improve the quality of services before really raising prices.

"In addition, the Minimum Service Standard (SPM) of Transjakarta public transport services, such as improving facilities and effective service, must also be increased in line with the increase in tariffs," he said.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov) provides a public transportation subsidy of IDR 4.3 trillion per year with details of IDR 800 billion for Integrated Highways (MRT) and IDR 3.5 trillion for Jakarta Transportation (TransJakarta) to facilitate community mobility and optimize the use of mass transportation.

The DKI Provincial Government guarantees that the convenience of transportation users for Jabodetabek residents is a top priority in building an integrated transportation system. Meanwhile, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government provides subsidies for financing by synergizing with the central government.