Damri CEO Complains to DPR About Majority of Pioneer Buses Being Old
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Perum Damri has revealed that its fleet of buses for pioneer transport currently averages seven years in age. Damri’s President Director, Setia N. Milatia Moemin, stated that the pioneer bus fleet now averages seven years and is considered to have entered a non-productive period.
In addition, many of Damri’s pioneer buses operate on challenging road contours, making their operations dependent on weather and natural conditions.
“The pioneer transport fleet we currently have is over seven years old, starting to age, with quite challenging field conditions, because every year in the tender process we face difficulties in planning rejuvenation or replacement of those vehicles,” said Setia in his presentation during a hearing with Commission XI of the House of Representatives, Thursday (2/4/2026).
He also explained that if these pioneer buses do not operate due to road contour issues and other factors, it could impact the activities of communities served by these vehicles.
For instance, school activities, where the presence of pioneer buses is very important for schoolchildren in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost areas (3T).
“We know exactly that if our pioneer buses do not operate in those 3T areas, even schools will be closed because usually we transport from villages to districts, and if we do not operate, schools will be off because teachers also cannot reach the school buildings,” Setia continued.
Not only impacting school activities, the role of pioneer buses is also quite important for market operations in 3T areas, where if pioneer buses do not operate, markets will be quiet and at risk of closing because traders cannot trade.
“Then markets can also be empty because residents usually, although we are passenger transport, but they bring agricultural produce to sell at the market, such as chillies, various vegetables, even livestock, all to be traded at markets in those areas,” he explained.
Setia also complained about the fuel supply for pioneer buses, due to the limited availability of fuel in 3T areas.
“We request support regarding the subsidised fuel supply, because often it’s not the price but the availability is lacking, so we are forced to buy non-subsidised fuel, which can cost Rp 13,000 - 14,000 per litre,” he clarified.
Therefore, Setia emphasised that the presence of pioneer buses remains very important for communities in 3T areas. He hopes the government can support Damri as the provider of pioneer transport in 3T.
“We request support for this pioneer service, which we indeed hope for, of course we will not raise pioneer transport fares, because we are also bound by contracts. So we request your assistance, support, and direct guidance, so that we can continue serving the community, especially in 3T areas,” he concluded.