PUSHEP: Hydrogen fuel adoption requires ecosystem readiness

The Executive Director of the Centre for Energy and Mining Law Studies (PUSHEP), Bisman Bhaktiar, has stated that the adoption of hydrogen-based fuel in public vehicles, especially buses, must be accompanied by the development of its ecosystem. Speaking in Jakarta on Friday, Bisman said the initial step could involve launching a pilot project and drafting a medium-term roadmap, to be implemented in stages with periodic evaluation. He argued that if the government wishes to use hydrogen as fuel for buses, particularly Transjakarta, it must first build the necessary ecosystem. This is crucial to ensure it does not remain mere discourse, encompassing hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, as well as the preparation of regulations and policies, including the provision of incentives. ‘If this can be done, then hydrogen will not just be a discourse but can be realised,’ he stated. He added that hydrogen generally has the advantage of being a low-emission and highly efficient fuel. Moreover, Indonesia has significant potential for hydrogen development, but its infrastructure remains limited, a matter requiring government attention. ‘It is suitable for public transport and more practical. So that it does not become just a discourse, the government should build the hydrogen ecosystem in stages,’ he added. Previously, PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo requested Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia 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 no bus fleet currently uses hydrogen fuel. ‘Perhaps you, Sir (Bahlil), could lobby the Governor of DKI, like that. TransJakarta,’ Darmawan said. He also revealed discussions with vehicle manufacturers from Japan, Germany, and China regarding the availability of hydrogen buses. Should the government decide to utilise hydrogen for the transport sector, such as TransJakarta, Darmawan said PLN would collaborate with Pertamina to provide the hydrogen-powered bus fleet. ‘Later, Pertamina and PLN will jointly provide the buses. Then the hydrogen buses will bear the logos of ESDM, PLN, and Pertamina. We will collaborate to build hydrogen-based transport,’ Darmawan stated.