Pramono Speaks Out on Planned Transjabodetabek Fare Hike

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has stated the Jakarta Provincial Government will shortly decide on fare adjustments for the Transjabodetabek public transport system. Nevertheless, he stressed the provincial government will continue to provide transport subsidies so the fare adjustment does not burden the public. “For Transjabodetabek, frankly, we will decide soon. But I want to set the record straight, because even yesterday the Mayor of Bekasi called me personally, urging that subsidies not be cut. It is impossible not to subsidise, definitely it will still be subsidised,” Pramono explained at RSIA Bunda Jakarta, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Pramono said the amount of the Transjabodetabek fare increase would be carefully considered so that people do not switch back to using private vehicles. “The principle is I will seriously consider ensuring it does not make people revert to private vehicles,” he said. One of the fare adjustments will be made for the Blok M-Soekarno Hatta Airport route. Currently, the Transjabodetabek fare for that route is still Rp3,500. Pramono assessed this fare is still very affordable compared to other transport modes such as Damri buses or taxis. “If Rp3,500 is not even enough for parking at Soekarno-Hatta, then there will be adjustments for routes like that,” he explained.

The planned fare adjustment is being considered because the Jakarta Provincial Government bears a very large subsidy burden, including the cost of maintaining bus stops outside the Jakarta area. Pramono affirmed the provincial government will improve the operational service quality of Transjabodetabek and increase its fleet size. It is hoped that through these efforts, public behaviour and lifestyle in using public transport will continue to improve. Moreover, transport connectivity in Jakarta is already very high, reaching 93 per cent. Unfortunately, no more than 30 per cent of residents currently utilise the public transport facilities provided. “It would be very good if people continuously use public transport above the 30 per cent figure. Can it be achieved? I am sure it can,” he said. He believes public interest in utilising public transport is still high, considering the recent fuel price increase. Additionally, the Jakarta Provincial Government has also made public transport free for 15 eligible community groups.