Trial of Electric AKAP Bus from Jakarta to Yogyakarta: Results and Challenges

In line with the era of vehicle electrification promoted by the Government, electric bus products are now being continuously promoted. Not only for city bus services, but electric-based buses are also starting to be trialled for long-distance routes as AKAP bus services. Anthony Steven Hambali, Chairman of Tourism Transport for the DPP Organda and owner of PO Sumber Alam, stated that electric-based AKAP buses have great potential in Indonesia for operations. However, there are still several challenges that must be addressed. As information, PO Sumber Alam once conducted a trial of electric-based AKAP bus services on the Jakarta - Yogyakarta route. From the trial results, according to Anthony, the need for infrastructure such as the availability of charging stations is still lacking. Therefore, the routes chosen for AKAP bus services remain limited. If everything is ready, electric bus routes can be expanded and interconnected. “But the potential is there, we are confident about it (electric AKAP buses). From the trial results yesterday, operationally it was good. We can convert regular vehicles, meaning diesel buses to electric vehicles without any complaints from the bus passengers. So that is considered okay, the travel time is also all okay,” he said. However, according to Anthony, another challenge is that the initial investment might be too large. Thus, it will be difficult for private businesses to purchase electric buses. “If from the government there can be, so to speak, budget allocation. For the private sector, it still needs time,” he said.