Jakarta, INTI - The Government of the Republic of Korea has handed over 11 electric buses and six charging stations to the Bali Provincial Government to expand eco-friendly public transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The initiative forms part of Indonesia–South Korea cooperation to develop sustainable mobility, improve public transport services, and accelerate the transition to green energy in Bali.
South Korean Ambassador to Indonesia Yoon Soon-Gu expressed hope that the assistance would directly benefit local residents and tourists by providing cleaner and more comfortable transportation services.
He said the electric buses and charging facilities were expected to help Bali reduce emissions while improving the quality of public transportation. Yoon also emphasized that addressing climate change and promoting sustainable economic growth are shared responsibilities between Indonesia and South Korea.
According to Yoon, developing clean-energy public transportation is essential to preserving Bali’s natural environment and cultural heritage.
The initiative also strengthens bilateral relations between the two countries, which maintain a special strategic partnership following President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to South Korea in April.
Bali’s Electric Bus Fleet Targets 230,000 Passengers and 2,200 Tons in Emission Reductions
Rowan Fraser, a representative of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Indonesia, outlined five key benefits of the Bali electric bus project for the public, the environment, and regional transportation development.
Over its 10-year operational period, the project is expected to serve approximately 230,000 passengers and reduce carbon emissions by more than 2,200 tons of CO₂. The electric buses will also eliminate direct exhaust emissions, potentially contributing to improved air quality across Bali.
The initiative aims to make public transportation more inclusive by providing special fares for students and people with disabilities. In addition, ownership of the electric buses and supporting infrastructure will be transferred to the Bali Provincial Government as regional public assets.
Beyond its immediate benefits, operational data collected from the fleet could support feasibility studies for expanding electric public transportation to other parts of Indonesia.
South Korea hopes the experience gained through the project will provide valuable insights for improving environmentally friendly transportation policies nationwide.
South Korea Provides US$6.6 Million Grant for Bali’s Electric Bus Project
Jaepyo Chun, Project Manager of Bali E-Mobility at GGGI Indonesia, explained that the project received a US$6.6 million grant from South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.
Implemented over the past three years, the initiative covers vehicle production, charging infrastructure, and technology and industrial cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea.
One of the project's main challenges has been meeting Indonesia’s domestic component level (TKDN) requirements during the production of electric buses and charging equipment.
Chun noted that the project was particularly challenging because it sought to incorporate local content requirements into a grant-funded initiative.
The project combines Hyundai’s South Korean technology with Indonesia’s automotive manufacturing capabilities. Bus body production involves Laksana, a body-building company based in Semarang, while PT Bakrie & Brothers Tbk (BNBR) and VKTR contribute to industrial collaboration and the integration of electric vehicle technology.
This partnership is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s domestic electric vehicle industry while supporting the development of sustainable public transportation.
Bali Plans AI-Powered Electric Bus Management and Real-Time Monitoring
The Bali E-Mobility project will extend beyond the deployment of 11 electric buses and six charging stations, with plans to introduce an integrated digital transportation management system.
According to Chun, the next phase will focus on developing a fleet management system that connects vehicle operations, charging infrastructure, and passenger transportation needs.
The system is expected to integrate electric bus and charging station management with demand-responsive transportation services to improve passenger accessibility.
Future development plans also include a dedicated control center and real-time monitoring capabilities to support fleet supervision and operational efficiency.
In addition, passenger booking services are planned to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to improve accessibility and service delivery. These digital technologies are expected to help operators respond to passenger demand while optimizing fleet utilization and charging infrastructure.
The project brings together South Korean government funding, GGGI’s expertise, industrial capabilities from both countries, and the Bali Provincial Government’s commitment to accelerating the green energy transition.
Through electric bus deployment and digital transportation management, Bali aims to establish a model for low-emission public transportation that could eventually be replicated in other regions of Indonesia.
Conclusion
South Korea’s US$6.6 million grant for Bali’s electric bus project marks a significant step toward cleaner and more sustainable public transportation in Indonesia. With 11 electric buses, six charging stations, and plans for AI-powered fleet management, the initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions, improve passenger accessibility, and strengthen bilateral cooperation. The project could also serve as a model for expanding green mobility and digital transportation systems across Indonesia.
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