Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has received two electric buses from the Ministry of Investment/Investment Coordinating Board, which will expand the public transportation fleet within the UGM campus.
The symbolic handover of the buses took place on Tuesday (August 22) at the Pancasila Field of UGM, with the Minister of Investment, Bahlil Lahadalia, presenting them to the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, MD.
“I am here to fulfill a promise made a year ago, as active participation in developing the electric vehicle ecosystem. I hope these will be beneficial, and UGM can become one of the pioneering campuses in developing electric-based vehicles to reduce emissions,” said Minister Lahadalia.
UGM is designing various schemes to achieve its carbon emissions reduction targets, including reducing access to private vehicles in the campus environment. This aligns with UGM’s commitment to support the delivery of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With the addition of the two buses provided by the Ministry of Investment, UGM now owns four electric buses and plans to expand the fleet to include up to 10 buses. In addition to buses, the campus has extensively utilized a bike-sharing system.
“In November, we will add one more bus, hopefully, beneficial for students and the university administration,” said the minister after listening to the rector’s presentation on the eco-friendly transportation plans on campus.
Minister Lahadalia explained that the government is aggressively promoting investment in electric vehicles and batteries. He hoped the broader use of electric vehicles could reduce emissions and mitigate air pollution, which currently is a concern in many regencies and cities.
According to the rector, the university’s initiative to lower carbon emissions and make the campus greener is a special mission requiring many stakeholders’ cooperation.
In addition to benefiting the UGM community, the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability will also positively affect the surrounding.
“In Yogyakarta Special Region, UGM is like a conservation space with tall trees and numerous protected fauna due to the abundant plants,” the rector stated.
Professor Emilia also appreciated the attention and support from the Ministry of Investment, which has accelerated UGM’s efforts to realize an environmentally-friendly campus.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Minister Lahadalia. We hope to realize the aspirations of our campus,” the rector said.
Author: Gloria
Photographer: Donnie