120 Million Petrol Motorcycles to be Converted to Electric, Bahlil: To Reduce Pollution

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has revealed plans to develop a scheme converting petrol-fuelled motorcycles to electric vehicles. Initially, 120 million motorcycles are targeted to undergo conversion beginning in 2026, with the process to be carried out gradually.

“The acceleration of converting motor vehicles, with 120 million motorcycles using petrol, we will attempt to gradually convert them to electric motorcycles,” Bahlil stated on Monday, 9 March 2026.

Bahlil has been appointed by the President as Head of the National Energy Transition Task Force, a long-term government programme aimed at achieving two strategic objectives: reducing air pollution levels and developing renewable energy in Indonesia.

“This is a long-term initiative to reduce our pollution. This is part of the new energy that is needed,” Bahlil explained.

However, the amount of incentives has not yet been determined, nor has the form these incentives will take.

“We have just completed the task force formation. Once I hold the task force meeting, I will then report,” he said.

The target is for the majority of Indonesians to operate electric motorcycles within 3-4 years.

“The state will be present to share responsibility with the community when switching from petrol to electric motorcycles. There will certainly be some form of sweetener,” he added.

Nevertheless, attention must be paid to the durability of electric motorcycles, the network of public electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU), and other supporting facilities. The challenge is significant, as many Indonesians use motorcycles with high mobility, even for long-distance travel during the mudik (homecoming) season.