Minister Bahlil to Discuss Hydrogen-Powered TransJakarta Buses with Jakarta Governor

Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has stated he will discuss the use of hydrogen-based TransJakarta buses with Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung. “Regarding the buses, I will try to communicate with the Governor of DKI to utilise this (hydrogen),” he said at the opening of the Global Hydrogen Ecosystem Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Jakarta on Tuesday. In addition to using hydrogen as a fuel for the transport sector, Bahlil also highlighted its use in the petrochemical sector, which is oriented towards clean energy. “This is also important. There are many other things we can do to accelerate this (hydrogen) process,” he said. The statement was made in response to a proposal from PLN CEO Darmawan Prasodjo, who asked Bahlil to communicate with Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung regarding the use of hydrogen as fuel for TransJakarta buses. Darmawan noted that Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS) are already available and ready for use in Jakarta, but there are currently no bus fleets running on hydrogen fuel. “Perhaps you, Sir (Bahlil), could lobby the Governor of DKI,” Darmawan said. He also revealed that discussions have been held with vehicle manufacturers from Japan, Germany, and China regarding the availability of hydrogen buses. If the government decides to utilise hydrogen as a fuel for the transport sector, such as TransJakarta, Darmawan said PLN will collaborate with Pertamina to provide the bus fleet. “Later, Pertamina and PLN will jointly provide the buses. Then the hydrogen buses will carry the logos of ESDM, PLN, and Pertamina; we will collaborate to build hydrogen-based transport,” Darmawan stated. The Global Hydrogen Ecosystem Summit and Exhibition (GHES) 2026 is a forum bringing together government, business entities, industry, academics, international partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen the development of the hydrogen ecosystem in Indonesia. The event underscores Indonesia’s commitment to promoting hydrogen use in the transport, industrial, logistics, and port sectors, with transport being an initial focus due to its potential to reduce fossil fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.