Strengthening Public Transport Stakeholders through Capacity Development Programme

The public transport system’s success is not only attributed to the infrastructure but is heavily reliant on the skills of the personnel that operate the system. This holds true to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Indonesian cities. To attain that success, SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS in support of the Ministry of Transportation, conducted a comprehensive capacity development programme. The programme started with a capacity need assessment (CNA) in 2021, which found that capacity development helps stakeholders involved in the BRT system to deepen their understanding of sustainable urban transport and transport demand management. This resulted in seven training modules which include planning, procurement, operations and maintenance, transport demand management, human resources management and integration with existing systems. These modules became the basis of the capacity development programme designed by SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS.

A total of 316 participants trained through the programme in 2022 that was conducted in 2 batches, with an average of 20-25 participants for each module. The participants consist of government’s official both from national government (Directorate of Land Transportation in the Ministry of Transportation) and local government of NSP’s five pilot cities i.e. Bandung, Makassar, Semarang, Pekanbaru, and Batam, as well as from the existing bus service operator such as Trans Metro Pekanbaru and Trans Batam.

The capacity development programme combined in-class structured discussions with workshops and site visits. The training started with in a class structured discussion and workshop for the first four modules. Participants discussed urban transport planning with an emphasis on integrated BRT systems, NMT, Parking, as well as learning the transport demand modelling simulation and feasibility study about infrastructure financing alternatives. It was then continued with a site visit to National Public Procurement Agency (LKPP) and Jakarta Goods and Services Procurement Agency (BPPBJ) for Module 5, and the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency as well as Mayasari Bakti office for Module 6. These site visits provided participants with on the ground experience and gained knowledge from practitioners who are experts in their respective fields.

After the completion of each module, the program hosts invited participants to provide feedback through an online platform. The results show that all modules, trainers and the training in general received positive feedback. Program participants claimed the initiative increased their knowledge and understanding of BRT and sustainable transport principles and recognised the need to prioritise public transportation more. The participants were also eager to implement new practices and policies as a result of their participation in the program.

The Capacity Development Programme is very much appreciated by the Ministry of Transportation. Mr. Tony Agus Setiono as Head of Sub-Directorate Urban Transport, the Directorate of Land Transportation conveys his hope that this activity can answer the needs of relevant stakeholders, especially the local government and local transportation agency to successfully assist the transformation towards sustainable urban transport in their area. In addition, Mr. Hadi Setyabudi from Directorate of Land Transportation, Ministry of Transportation expressed appreciation for conducting this training session and hope that participants would share their experience in their local agency and can implement some of the lessons learnt in their city.

Contact person
Nabila Fauzia Rahman — Communications and PR Professional
SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS

Key buzzwords
Sustainable, Transport, Infrastructure, Indonesia, Urban, Mobility, BRT