The National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2020–2024 emphasizes developing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in six major cities: Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Medan, and Makassar.
This focus on BRT development aims to tackle the escalating issue of traffic congestion, which not only impacts air quality and public health but also influences the overall appeal and economic vitality of these urban areas.
Establishing reliable BRT services that adhere to the Minimum Service Standards (SPM) is key to enticing the public to transition from private vehicles to mass transit. The responsibility for delivering BRT services that meet the SPM lies with the BRT management institution, supported by various stakeholders.
The UGM Center for Transportation and Logistics Studies has supported the UK-PACT project (United Kingdom—Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions), collaborating with esteemed institutions such as the Stockholm Environment Institute, The University of York, Clean Air Asia, and the UN Environment. The activities lasted from Oct. 2022 to Mar. 2023 and encompassed several crucial phases.
Initially, a desk study delves into various institutional models of BRT management implemented across Indonesia, drawing insights from many references. Subsequently, the desk study’s recommendations are shared with the North Sumatra Provincial Government.
These recommendations encompass the fundamental principles of BRT management institutions, requisite studies/documents, and indications for enhancing human resources and institutional capacities.
Responding to a request from the North Sumatra Provincial Government, the UK-PACT project is providing capacity-building and technical support for establishing the BRT Management Institution for Metropolitan Medan (Mebidang). This initiative aims to bridge the gap before the World Bank’s institution’s capacity-building program begins.
Establishing the Mebidang BRT management institution is envisioned as a precursor to forming an Integrated Transport Authority (ITA), which is pivotal in overseeing integrated and sustainable transportation. The ultimate goal is to position public transportation as the primary mode of reliable mobility for the populace.
Recognizing the pivotal role of public transportation management institutions in facilitating the shift from private vehicles to mass transit, UK-PACT hosted a webinar themed “The Role of BRT Management Institutions Towards Integrated and Sustainable Public Transportation Management” on Wednesday (Feb. 28).
In addition to understanding the views or directions from the central government, the webinar was held to convey the results of the UK-PACT project’s desk study on BRT management institutions, including the basic principles of public transportation management institutions, various institutional forms and follow-up actions.
It also served as a platform for comprehending the dynamics of the BRT Institution formation process in Mebidang, which can serve as a blueprint for other cities.
The webinar commenced with insights from Dr. Gary Haq, Team Leader of the University of York Consortium for UK-PACT Future Cities, setting the context for the webinar within the UK-PACT study scope.
Hans Carlson, Indonesia Mass Transit Project (MASTRAN) Institution Development Specialist, shed light on MASTRAN’s scope in bolstering the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Medan and Bandung.
Hans Carlson emphasized critical aspects of BRT model development, spanning sub-contract and service contract intricacies, bus operation, maintenance considerations, and fare collection methodologies.
He mentioned that fare collection could be done through a separate legal entity, and issues that need to be considered include limited fiscal capacity for mass public transportation implementation, limited use of innovative funding, and the lack of passenger travel integration with city planning.
“Indications for capacity development include institutional development, urban transport legislation, public transport planning and management, industry management, stakeholder communication and management, and social and environmental guarantees,” said Hans Carlson.
Dr. Arif Wismadi, Project Lead of the UGM Center for Transportation and Logistics Studies, elaborated on several institutional frameworks viable for steering the BRT program, including Regional Technical Implementation Units (UPTD), Regional Public Service Agencies (BLUD), and Regional Owned Enterprises (BUMDs). Each option necessitates a transition concerning asset financing and accountability structures.
“There are indications that the institution to be formed will be a BUMD. Preparation for forming a BUMD as a Limited Liability Company (PT) is needed, including consolidation of legal aspects, core business reviews, reviews of regional regulations regarding BUMD formation, collaboration models, shareholders meetings, and regulations signed by the governor,” he explained.
Iman Sukandar, Head of the Sub-Directorate of Urban Transport, Ministry of Transportation, underscored collaborative efforts between central and local governments in fostering an efficient and sustainable public transportation system. According to Sukandar, a robust mass transit system is a magnet for public utilization.
Sukandar stressed that key requisites for successful regional transportation reforms include stringent service standards, robust infrastructure, and inclusive services integrated with other modes.
Achieving such advancements in public transportation necessitates substantial funding support, prompting local governments to forge alliances with diverse stakeholders to realize mass transportation systems in Metropolitan Medan and Bandung.
“The role of local governments is crucial in improving human resources to produce sustainable BRT institutional management,” he said.
Darwin Purba, Transportation Senior Expert of Clean Air Asia representing the North Sumatra Province Transport Agency, elaborated on the conceptualization of BRT development in North Sumatra, grounded in the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) report and UK-PACT studies on institutional paradigms and transition models.
“Internal challenges also exist, including operator selection, human resource preparation, and organizational structure. Meanwhile, on the external side, challenges include coordination with relevant parties,” he elaborated.
The webinar, graced by participants from esteemed entities such as the Ministry of Transportation, North Sumatra Provincial Government, and various transportation agencies, underscores a collective commitment to fostering integrated and sustainable public transportation management across Indonesia.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photo: Liputan6.com