MTI: Energy Crisis a Momentum to Shift to Public Transport
The Indonesian Transport Society (MTI) states that the global energy crisis must be utilised as a momentum to accelerate the transformation of the national transport system based on public transport. MTI General Chairman Haris Muhammadun said that policies focused on controlling mobility are not sufficient to address the energy crisis in the long term.
“We encourage the acceleration of the shift towards a public transport-based transport system, reorientation of energy subsidies into public transport subsidies, strengthening of public transport services in urban and rural areas, as well as integration of the national logistics system,” said Haris, quoted from a written statement on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.
The global energy crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East has driven up world oil prices and increased pressure on Indonesia’s energy resilience. Haris said the transport sector is the most vulnerable because it absorbs 50 percent of national fuel consumption and is still dominated by private vehicles.
Although the government has taken quick steps such as restricting fuel consumption and implementing a work-from-home (WFH) scheme, Haris assesses that these policies are still short-term and have not touched structural system transformation.
He warns of the potential side effects of these policies. Such as the shift of travel to non-productive activities that still consume fuel, decreased productivity in certain sectors, and ineffectiveness without adequate public transport support.
Therefore, he said, the government must evaluate policies through impact simulations with a before-after analysis approach. Indicators that can be used include changes in daily travel volume, fuel consumption before and after WFH, and changes in travel patterns.
In addition, Haris also highlighted the trend of rising energy prices that could directly impact transport costs, inflation, and people’s purchasing power. Indonesia’s dependence on fuel imports amplifies the risk, especially since the national transport system is still dominated by private vehicles, while public transport services are not evenly distributed, particularly in medium-sized cities and rural areas.
Moreover, MTI notes several fundamental problems in the national transport system. First, the high dependence on private vehicles that are inefficient in energy consumption. Second, limited reliable, affordable, and integrated public transport services outside major cities.
Third, policies that still focus on restricting mobility without being balanced with the provision of alternatives. Fourth, the suboptimal integration of transport with the national logistics system. Fifth, energy subsidies are still more enjoyed by private vehicles compared to public transport.
Referring to international practices, Haris assesses that effective policies in facing energy crises are combinative, such as direct subsidies or zero fares for public transport, integration of transport policies with economic stimulus, and acceleration of public transport electrification. “The root of the problem lies in the fact that an efficient, integrated, and public transport-based transport system has not yet been built nationally.”