Indonesia deploys electric buses for G20 Bali Summit

The Indonesian government has prepared 30 medium-size Red and White Electric Buses (BLMP) for the smooth mobility of G20 delegates, from the time of their arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar to meeting locations at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC).

Head of Public Relations of the Directorate General of Land Transportation Pitra Setiawan said the 30 buses are on standby in Bali before the G20 Summit starts.

“Of the 30 buses, nine units are already in Bali, 10 units are on their way, and one more unit will be completed this weekend. These buses cannot be sent all at once because production is carried out in stages,” he said on November 12.

All of these buses are domestically manufactured with a local content requirement level (TKDN) of 76.98 percent. BLMP is a collaborative development of state-owned electric vehicles and a consortium of higher education institutions in Indonesia such as Airlangga University, Gadjah Mada University, and the Indonesian Art Institute Denpasar and the Surabaya Institute of Technology.

“The bus has undergone a roadworthiness test at the Roadworthiness Testing and Motorized Vehicle Certification Center (BPLJSKB) in Bekasi, West Java. All vehicle types are tested for its roadworthiness there,” said Pitra.

Apart from those of the Ministry of Transportation, there are 11 medium and large- size electric buses from a number of companies deployed to support the success of the G20 Presidency. Thus, the total electric buses available are 41 units.

To facilitate mobilization in the ITDC Nusa Dua Bali area, there are also free electric motorcycle taxi service. These electric motorbikes are prepared by two private companies with a total of 90 electric motorbikes. 

“The electric motorbike drivers will serve both delegates and committee members of the G20 Summit,” said Pitra.

Meanwhile, Yudo Dwinanda Priaadi, senior advisor to minister of energy and mineral resources (ESDM) in the field of strategic planning, said there are 66 public electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU) that have been prepared, which will provide ultrafast charging and fast charging power. SPKLU ultrafast charging is able to charge a car battery in 15-30 minutes from a zero percent position.

A number of manufacturers have agreed to support the G20 Summit, one of which is by providing nearly a thousand units of electric vehicles, both for delegates, VIP guests and heads of state during the event.

The G20 presidency is a momentum for Indonesia to show its commitment and invites the world to a transition towards clean energy. President Joko Widodo has even issued instructions requiring government officials, both central and regional, to switch to electric vehicles in government operations.

Photo credit: Lee Kok Leong. Electric bus, G20 Bali, November 13.

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