Celebrating the Progress of SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS in Transforming Indonesian Transport System

Indonesia has seen an upward trajectory of urbanisation, with more than 50% of the population living in urban areas over the last decade. When rampant urbanisation is devoid of sustainable principles, it will exacerbate existing urban problems like traffic congestion which will, in effect, increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, hamper connectivity and trade rates, and ultimately stall economic growth. Recognising the challenges, the Government of Indonesia committed to transforming Indonesian urban transport into a sustainable low-carbon sector while also implementing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system as the backbone of urban transport through the SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS programme.

SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS was the outcome of cooperation between the Government of Indonesia, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy of the United Kingdom (BEIS) through the Mitigation Action Facility, and the Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO). The programme partners with the Ministry of Transportation at the national level and 6 local governments, namely Pekanbaru, Batam, Bandung, Semarang, Makassar, and Surabaya. Since its inception in 2017, SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS has achieved several accomplishments, such as producing more than 76 studies, 19 policy supports, strengthening the capacity of 1,800 government officials, and creating 26 knowledge products. To commemorate its achievements and appreciate the partners and donors who have made all the achievements possible, a closing event was held on 8 October 2024 in Jakarta, highlighting SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS’s main accomplishments of collaboration, technical support, and capacity development.

As transport is multistakeholder in nature, it stands to reason that initiatives in transport sectors need collaboration in areas like technical, funding, and even political support from various stakeholders. Santi Eka Putri of the Ministry of Transportation appreciates SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS for socialising Government Regulations No. 35 (PP 35), for it fosters synergy between the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Home Affairs on utilising the regulation as a basis for alternative funding for public transport implementation in the region. In the same sentiment, Ahmad Fais Fauzi of the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) asserted that SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS have helped Bappenas identify the support local governments need in key indicators and institutional arrangement aspects, enabling Bappenas to provide more effective assistance for mass transport development. Lead Advisor SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS, Achmad Zacky Ambadar, in turn, emphasised that local governments have a better understanding of their needs and suitable transport solutions, and SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS leveraged this need and complemented it with strong technical support, effectively connecting with valuable resources from the national government. He further welcomes with open arms the next collaboration in the transport sector, following the direction from the newly formed government that will be inaugurated.

Other than fostering co-creative collaboration, SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS also believe that implementing a robust BRT system in Indonesian cities requires a strong technical foundation. Karl Fjellstrom of GOPA Infra explained that from the operational perspective, the BRT system needs to have a high frequency and long service hours to be the preferred transport mode. However, developing a BRT system should not only focus on operational aspects but must also include approaches in areas beyond operational aspects, a support that SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS have carried out through its technical assistance on several topic including institutional setup, regulatory framework, funding mechanism, and others. Yuliarso, the Head of Pekanbaru Transportation Agency revealed that with technical studies from SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS, Pekanbaru ratified Regional Regulation No. 2 Year 2024, securing 5% of the Regional Budget for road-based public transport development. Echoing this sentiment, Zuchrufijati, an Expert Staff of the West Java Provincial Government explained that the programme has provided the West Java Government with a concept for management authority in Bandung Basin Metropolitan Area. Bambang Sucipto, the Head of UPT BLUD UPTD Transportation Services of Batam Transportation Agency added that the support from SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS through capacity building has helped the Batam government in initiating self-governance of its BRT development.

Lastly, SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS have organised capacity developments programme that consist of several tailored modules, with many having reaped the benefits of in their respective regions. Shobirin of the UPTD Trans Semarang expressed that before participating in the capacity development, Trans Semarang relied solely on ticket revenue and subsidies. Following the capacity development, they explored non-farebox revenue that generated 34 billion Rupiah in 2023. According to Eny Sugiharti Fajarsari, the Head of BLUD UPTD PTU Suroboyo Bus, through the capacity development, Surabaya has also enhanced its service accessibility by developing a disability-friendly app and involving disability groups in transport development planning. Andi Nurdiana, the Head of UPT Trans Mamminasata, also recognised the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration from the capacity building programme and has helped them address the resistance to bus operations from angkot drivers.

As SUTRI NAMA & INDOBUS programme concludes, it is hoped that the partnerships and frameworks established during the programme’s period can serve as a foundation for future innovations in sustainable urban mobility, enhancing the quality of life of all Indonesians.