West Java Governor Explains Decision Not to Be Sole Investor in Bandung Raya BRT

Bandung (ANTARA) - West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has revealed the reason the West Java Provincial Government chose not to become the sole investor in the Bandung Raya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) megaproject: to ensure the budget is distributed fairly across all regencies and cities.

Although the mass transport mode project has high potential for financial returns, the limitations of the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD) require the West Java Provincial Government to act fairly so that remote areas outside the Bandung region still receive a proper share of infrastructure development.

“We understand that West Java’s budget is not only for Bandung City, but for the whole of West Java. If everything is focused on Bandung City, then people in Garut will miss out on roads,” said the Governor, commonly known as KDM (Kang Dedi Mulyadi), after the inauguration of the Bandung Raya BRT infrastructure construction at Leuwipanjang Terminal in Bandung on Wednesday.

Nevertheless, Dedi revealed that this selective approach opens the door for the West Java Provincial Government to study opportunities for similar investments in the future, particularly given the urgent need to organise public transport in other agglomeration areas experiencing rapid industrial growth.

“Looking at the development of public transport in the city centre, I see two epicentres: one is the Bandung Raya area, and the second is the Bogor Raya and Bekasi Raya area,” he said.

Given the very high levels of mobility and population density in these areas surrounding Jakarta, he said the presence of an integrated mass transport network is considered an absolute solution to ease chronic congestion.

“The presence of integrated mass transport in Bogor Raya and Bekasi Raya is crucial to untangle traffic jams while serving the community’s high mobility needs,” he said.