The Center for Transportation and Logistics Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Pustral UGM), in collaboration with the Visi Indonesia Raya Emisi Nol Bersih Foundation (ViriyaENB), has conducted a multi-year study to explore the potential of electrifying operational vehicles, particularly at airports and ports across Indonesia. The research, which began in early 2025, focuses on Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, and Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta.
In its initial stage, the study mapped out the operational profiles of existing vehicles at these key transportation hubs.
It will then proceed to assess technological readiness, the variety of electric operational vehicles, and investment opportunities to support the procurement and operation of such fleets.
The research is part of the government’s broader effort to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
Head of Pustral UGM, Dr. Ikaputra, stated that the research series involved surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs) with airport and port operators, electric vehicle-based transport service providers, the electric vehicle industry, and relevant ministries and agencies overseeing transportation, energy, and fiscal policy.
The dissemination event for the Study on Electrification of Airport and Port Operational Vehicles was successfully held in Jakarta on Tuesday, Sep. 30, 2025.
According to him, decarbonization has become a global trend that has gained momentum as efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions face increasing challenges, with carbon intensity reduction rates showing signs of slowing down.
Strengthening decarbonization efforts in the transportation sector, he said, is expected to provide a viable solution to address these global challenges.
“With a fair and regenerative economy, we will continue this multi-year research to explore the electrification potential of operational vehicles, particularly in airport and port areas,” he said at the UGM Campus on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.
The study team chair, Dr. Dewanti, explained that various national policies have promoted transportation electrification through fiscal incentives, conversion programs, and the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure (SPKLU) to support decarbonization of transport.
However, she noted that consistent implementation and incentive schemes are still needed to encourage business sector participation.
The study found that Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) technology is proven to be the most efficient and clean, with battery costs continuing to decline, making them increasingly competitive with conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.
“Specifically, the study sites at Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) and Denpasar (DPS) airports show significant electrification potential, particularly for apron buses, baggage tractors, and cargo tractors, with substantial emission reductions if converted to electric vehicles (EVs). Emission calculations show that the baggage towing tractor (BTT) is the largest emitter, making it a top priority for conversion,” she explained.
Dr. Dewanti further elaborated that the investment required for electrifying ground operational vehicles, known as Ground Support Equipment (GSE), would be approximately IDR 460.09 billion at CGK and IDR 190.46 billion at DPS.
Despite the high cost, this investment could reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency by up to 71.8 percent.
At the port level, she continued, electric-powered equipment adoption has already begun for several key machines, such as Quayside Container Cranes (QCC) and Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, offering the potential to cut emissions by up to 78.5 percent while providing significant economic benefits through carbon value, health improvements, and reduced social costs.
“Even so, the battery industry and used battery management systems require strong regulatory support so that EV batteries are treated as resources, not waste. Multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential for accelerating electrification at airports and ports, including developing a clear roadmap for long-term implementation,” said Dr. Dewanti.
Serving as a discussant, Dr. Arianto Wibowo, from the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, affirmed that Indonesia remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions through various regulations, including those targeting airports and ports.
“I believe there needs to be stronger regulatory reinforcement within the Ministry of Transportation for the electric vehicle sector,” he stated.
Akbar Putra Mardhika from PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (PT API) highlighted the company’s achievements in reducing airport emissions by around 24-28 percent.
In the field, he said, PT API has implemented mitigation and efficiency measures for airport operational vehicles and developed roadmaps for SPKLU infrastructure and electric operational vehicles.
However, he acknowledged that a roadmap for land-based transportation modes has not yet been established.
Meanwhile, Professor of Transportation Policy at UGM’s Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM), Danang Parikesit, emphasized the need for both voluntary and mandatory adoption schemes for electric vehicle (EV) technology.
He noted that EV efficiency models, such as Battery as a Service (BaaS) and battery swapping, should be calculated as reference points for both business transition and government policymaking.
At the same event, Anna Amalia, from the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), discussed the direction of transportation policy under the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), particularly concerning greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction indicators and the Environmental Quality Index.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Illustration: freepik.com