Electric Motorcycle Conversion is a Private Matter, Not the Government's

JAKARTA – Efforts by the government to accelerate the electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia continue to draw attention. One aspect under scrutiny is the programme to convert petrol-fuelled motorcycles to electric power.

However, this policy is deemed off-target in addressing the fundamental transportation issues in the country. The government is seen as overly focused on private vehicle ownership rather than improving public transport.

According to him, initiatives to change private transport modes should be the domain of individuals, not a priority burden for the government.

“If you want to convert, let that be the affair of the people who own the motorcycles, whether they want to convert or not. The government’s business is to provide public transport, not to facilitate the conversion of private motorcycles,” said Darmaningtyas, when contacted by Kompas.com recently.

“We’ve had years of experience, at least the last three years. By giving incentives to the public to buy electric motorcycles and cars. But the interest isn’t high,” said Darmaningtyas.

This situation, he continued, should serve as material for evaluation by the government before proceeding further with similar programmes targeting the private sector.

Darmaningtyas suggests redirecting available budgets or resources to procuring public transport fleets. This step is considered to have a more tangible impact for the wider community, especially in areas with limited transport access.

“In other words, the public isn’t really enthusiastic about it. It’s better for the government to buy buses that can be used for public transport and distribute them to the regions; that’s clearly concrete,” he said.

By providing adequate public transport, the government is seen as better able to reduce traffic congestion and fossil fuel consumption systemically, compared to merely promoting energy type shifts in private vehicles.