Denpasar, Indonesia, November 12, 2024 – The Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) today organized a kick-off event on conducting a feasibility study to unpack potential challenges and opportunities in creating an ecosystem of sustainable public transport system in Bali, Indonesia. The study is part of the Piloting Electric Vehicle Systems and Developing a Green Transportation Investment Roadmap (Bali E-Mobility Project), a collaboration between the Government of Indonesia and GGGI, and funded by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Transportation announced a target of 90% electrification of urban public transportation by 2030, equivalent to more than 45,000 units of electric buses spread across 42 cities, which would strengthen the public transport infrastructure. To meet this ambitious target, GGGI will support the Government of Indonesia in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, both locally and nationally, by conducting technical studies on inclusive mobility needs, piloting electric buses, and supporting infrastructure.

“Bali has the potential to promote the transition to eco-friendly vehicles, and in turn, support Indonesia’s carbon neutrality goals. Sustainable transport will also benefit 4,4 million people on the island. However, challenges remain, and an enabling environment for green transportation investments is needed to achieve this goal,” said Nizhar Marizi, Director of Energy, Mineral, and Mining Resources of Bappenas.

“The study will focus on the technology, operational, economic, financial, and institutional feasibility tests for promoting electric mobility in Bali’s public transportation sector,” said Jaepyo Chun, GGGI’s Project Manager for Bali E-Mobility. “The final objective of the feasibility study is to identify electric bus routes, electric bus specifications, and charging units to be implemented during 2026-2027 and is a key step to making it a reality,” Jaepyo added.

Jong Yoon Jeon of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Bali, attended the event and expressed hope that this partnership will significantly contribute to the global goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. “I sincerely hope that this pilot project will provide a leading benchmarking momentum to reform Indonesia’s public transportation into a greener one and replicate such a practice in other provinces,” added Jeon.

Bali has already issued enabling policies and regulations to incentivize greater investment in deploying electric vehicles with Bali Governor Regulation Number 48 of 2019. The policy elaborates on the use of battery-based electric motor vehicles, making Bali a suitable location to transform its public transportation system.