Moeldoko Inaugurates The Operation Of Electric Buses Made By Indonesian Children In Cilegon Industrial Area

BANTEN - Presidential Chief of Staff Dr. Moeldoko, on Tuesday 14 February, inaugurated the launch of two electric buses as operational vehicles for shuttle employees of PT. Chandra Asri Petrochemical in Cilegon, Banten Province. This launch also marks the first use of battery-based electric buses in the city's industrial area.

"The use of two electric buses, I hope, will become a pioneer in the Cilegon city industrial area. PT Chandra Asri in this case is at the forefront which can become a lever factor in the development of the domestic electric vehicle industry," said Moeldoko.

Made by the Nation

The retired Commander of the TNI explained that the two electric buses were products made by PT. Mobil Anak Bangsa (MAB), an Indonesian electric vehicle manufacturer. With a battery capacity of only 75 percent, the bus produced by local designers can cover a distance of 225 km.

After taking a short tour using the electric bus, Moeldoko expressed his optimism for the future of electric vehicles in Indonesia. He also appreciated private parties who were involved in supporting government programs to reduce carbon emissions and switch to clean environmentally friendly energy.

"The government has targeted reducing emissions by 29 percent by 2030 and accelerating the development of the domestic electric vehicle industry. The presence of electric cars will also provide efficiency in spending the budget for imports of fuel oil (BBM)," added Moeldoko.

Currently, according to Moeldoko, the government has become the forefront in the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem, one of which is through Presidential Decree No. 55/2019 concerning the Acceleration of the Battery-Based Electric Motorized Vehicle Program for Road Transportation and Presidential Instruction No. 7/2022 concerning the Use of Battery-Based Electric Motorized Vehicles as Service Vehicles of the Central Government and Regional Governments.

But on the other hand, the government also needs support from the private sector to trigger and spur the growth of the electric vehicle industry in Indonesia.

"The government provides flexibility for the private sector to develop infrastructure supporting electric vehicles. For example, PT. Chandra Asri will stand at the forefront as a sponsor for the procurement of charging stations in the Cilegon area to provide convenience for electric vehicle owners. Private support like this will be decisive in the development national electric vehicle industry," he concluded.