Legislator: If Fuel Consumption is to be Reduced, Public Transportation Must Be Improved

Jakarta - A member of Commission V of the House of Representatives from the Golkar Faction, Hamka Baco Kady, stated that the government’s ongoing efforts to save on fuel oil (BBM) usage must be accompanied by improvements to public transportation. “If we want to reduce BBM consumption, then public transportation must be addressed seriously. The public needs to be provided with decent alternatives besides private vehicles,” Hamka said in his statement on Thursday (2/4/2026). He believes that the public still prefers private vehicles because the condition of public transport has not fully met public needs, both in terms of comfort, safety, and punctuality. Hamka then urged the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) to immediately conduct a comprehensive evaluation and improvement of the public transportation system. He emphasised that improving public transportation should not only focus on infrastructure development but also on service and management aspects that are more professional. “The Ministry of Transportation must ensure that public transportation is not only available but also comfortable, safe, and on time,” he said. He assessed that such integration would facilitate public mobility while increasing travel efficiency, thereby encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transport. “Intermodal integration is important. If the system is well-connected, the public will be more interested in using public transportation,” Hamka explained. Hamka also reminded that policies to reduce BBM consumption must be accompanied by changes in public mobility patterns. Therefore, he said, the government needs to provide a transportation system that is not only efficient but also able to meet public needs in a real way. “If public transportation is good, the public will surely switch on their own,” he said. Hamka hopes that BBM consumption can be reduced gradually. In addition, improvements to public transportation can also reduce congestion and negative environmental impacts. Meanwhile, Hamka appreciated the government’s decision not to raise subsidised or non-subsidised BBM prices on 1 April 2026. “The government’s decision not to raise BBM prices is commendable because it can help maintain public purchasing power,” Hamka added.