Electric Buses Could Serve as a Transport Solution During Fuel Crises

JAKARTA - The rise in global fuel prices as a result of the US-Israel war against Iran has already occurred in several countries. This impact could also affect Indonesia, including a fuel crisis. However, the government has ultimately confirmed that it will not raise fuel prices on 1 April 2026. Transportation expert from the Institute for Transportation Studies (Instran), Ki Darmaningtyas, stated that the government chose not to increase fuel prices to avoid public unrest. Darmaningtyas then highlighted the government’s plan to promote the conversion of 120 million petrol motorcycles to electric motorcycles. He believes this plan needs to be reviewed because it is ineffective in promoting transport sector mobility, particularly for lower-income communities. According to Darmaningtyas, high fuel price increases should serve as a momentum for leaders, especially regional leaders, to develop affordable public transport accessible to all citizens. “Rather than using the state budget to convert 120 million motorcycles, it would be better to use it for procuring electric buses that can be distributed to all provinces and regencies/cities, so that all provincial and regency/city capitals have safe, secure, comfortable, and affordable public transport for all citizens,” he said. In his view, if safe, secure, comfortable, and affordable public transport services are available, the public will not panic if fuel prices rise. Fuel should be focused on long-distance transport (inter-provincial and inter-city) and logistics transport, while urban transport can use electric buses. “This is currently the best momentum to improve public transport services in all cities and regions, as well as to campaign for the use of public transport amid the threat of an energy crisis,” said Darmaningtyas.