West Java Governor: Integrated, Equitable Public Transport is a Basic Need

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi (KDM) has asserted that the availability of integrated, digitised, and equitable public transport has become a basic need for metropolitan residents, coinciding with the official commencement of the Bandung Basin Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure project. “This is a joy for the people of Greater Bandung. We hope the construction proceeds safely, smoothly, without disruption, and delivers high-quality infrastructure,” Dedi said in a statement in Bandung on Wednesday. He emphasised that with the region’s large population and ongoing development, the demand for public transport is increasing. Dedi stressed that the surge in public transport ridership must be matched with extra security, adequate sanitation facilities, suitable pavements, and street lighting to reduce the potential for crime, not only in Greater Bandung but across all of West Java. “West Java must be fair. Big cities are developing, but villages must also experience development. Basic infrastructure must reach all levels of society,” he said. The construction of the Bandung Basin BRT, a road-based project under the national Indonesia Mass Transit (Mastran) programme, symbolically began with a groundbreaking ceremony at Leuwipanjang Terminal in Bandung on Wednesday (22/7), with full operations targeted for 2027. The modern mass transit system, valued at an investment of Rp1.3 trillion, is projected to be supported by the construction of a 21-kilometre dedicated lane, 6 main depots, 753 bus stops, and the implementation of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Elsewhere, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi explained that reorganising the movement system through the BRT is a long-term solution to reduce congestion levels that erode productivity and increase logistics costs in the Bandung Basin area. “Today’s groundbreaking is a historic milestone in realising modern public transport. We want to present public transport that is comfortable, safe, punctual, affordable, and integrated so that it becomes the primary mobility option for the community,” Dudy said. Director General of Land Transportation Aan Suhanan detailed that the Mastran project financing is sourced from the Indonesian Government, the World Bank, and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), with the Bandung Basin BRT portion covering 719 off-corridor bus stops and 34 on-corridor stops. The first phase of construction focuses on the off-corridor stops, Cicaheum Depot, Leuwipanjang Depot, and the main BRT corridor, followed by subsequent phases for iconic stops and depots in Cimenyan, Padalarang, Soreang, and Majalaya. “Going forward, this BRT system is targeted to have a maximum headway of 7 minutes during peak hours and 15 minutes during off-peak hours. We are optimistic that all work can be completed according to the target,” Aan explained.