Bappenas: Trains Are The Most Efficient Transportation Solution

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

Deputy for Facilities and Infrastructure of the Ministry of National Development Planning/BAPPENAS Ervan Maksum considers trains to be an efficient transportation solution in terms of energy and environmentally friendly.

According to him, this is because the government is currently facing a number of major challenges in efforts to reduce air pollution and high carbon emissions in Indonesia.

"We already know that the lowest energy, and the less pollution, and the fairest means because the 'affordable pay' can be obtained," Ervan said while attending a national seminar in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, September 20.

However, Ervan explained that the high cost of developing rail infrastructure is one of the obstacles faced. Therefore, the concept of "green financing" green financing arises to divert investment from polluting conventional transportation, becoming more environmentally friendly.

Ervan gave an example of Thailand as one of the countries that has converted public transportation modes to electrical energy, as well as selling carbon credit. However, this is still a challenge in Indonesia and a partnership with institutions is needed to develop green bonds and run a green bond program. green financing.

"This is actually the potential for 'green finance', such as Rp500 trillion (subsidy) for fuel, how much pollution we have, most of which are burning motorcycles. If we convert this, invest it with MRT which is via underground only 4, if in 'east-west' it is only Rp10 trillion," he said.

Ervan assessed that rail transportation is one of the most efficient modes to use in medium distance, namely 750 to 1,500 km.

In addition, according to him, the government is also considering the issue of justice related to transportation financing. Therefore, the government is formulating a fairer solution in providing transportation subsidies to those who need them.

Through careful social registration, subsidies can be targeted at those who really need it. This is in line with ensuring that those who are able to pay higher rates contribute.

Ervan explained that creativity in financing, focusing on sustainability and commitment to justice is part of efforts to change the paradigm of transportation in the country so that Indonesia can move forward to a sustainable and inclusive rail era.

"For the matter of justice, I entrust this to KAI, Director General (Traffic), to LRT, MRT. Bappenas with the Ministry of Finance has made socio-economic registration (Regsosek), we have issued the number 1 to 270 million poor people," he said.