Global Energy Crisis: Time to Accelerate Electric Public Transport

JAKARTA – The acceleration of public transport electrification is increasingly urgent amid pressures from the global energy crisis. More than just a technological trend, mass transportation is essentially a basic need for citizens that must be fulfilled by the state.

Electrification of public transport is considered a strategic solution to maintain energy resilience and reduce the cost of living for society.

This view was expressed by Djoko Setijowarno, an academic from the Civil Engineering Programme at Unika Soegijapranata and Advisor to the Indonesian Transport Society (MTI), who assesses that the momentum for developing public transport in regions is beginning to show a positive direction.

According to him, these steps need to be expanded and strengthened with a shift in the orientation of budget usage at the regional level.

Transport infrastructure, both road networks and public transport services, should be the top priority over excessive spending on bureaucratic support.

“Transport infrastructure, whether in the form of solid road networks or reliable public transport services, is a basic need that must be fulfilled by local governments,” he said.

In a broader context, public transport not only functions as a means of mobility but also serves as the backbone of the economy and an instrument of social justice.

This becomes even more relevant as the world faces uncertainty in energy supplies. Dependence on fossil fuels makes the transport system vulnerable to global fluctuations.

Therefore, public transport electrification is viewed as a strategic step to create a more stable and sustainable transport system.

With an integrated network, people in various regions, both urban and remote areas, can enjoy easier, safer, and more affordable mobility.

Djoko emphasised that the government needs to accelerate the transition to electric-based public transport comprehensively.

“Regional budget allocations should no longer be absorbed by excessive bureaucratic support spending, but rather returned to their function of ensuring citizens’ mobility,” he said.

With an inclusive approach, transport electrification not only becomes a symbol of modernisation but also serves as a catalyst for equitable development.

Amid the global energy crisis, this step is considered key to ensuring that society continues to have access to affordable, efficient, and sustainable mobility.