Jakarta’s push to electrify its public transport fleet took center stage at Busworld Southeast Asia 2026, highlighting the city’s growing influence in regional fleet electrification. The event showcased Indonesia’s shift from importing electric buses to assembling them locally, with new partnerships and models debuting on the show floor.
Jakarta’s Electric Bus Rollout Gains Momentum
Towards the end of 2025, Transjakarta began operating its first batch of 15 locally built electric buses, marking a significant step in Indonesia’s commercial EV transition. These buses were produced through a collaboration between Karoseri Laksana and VKTR, the EV subsidiary of Bakrie & Brothers, and assembled at Laksana’s Ungaran plant in Central Java using BYD chassis and e-Cityline 3 bodies.
Operated by state-owned DAMRI, these buses provided essential operational data under Jakarta’s demanding transit schedules, helping to validate the concept for broader deployment.
Busworld Southeast Asia 2026: Showcasing Regional Innovation
Busworld Southeast Asia 2026 drew over 5,000 attendees from 41 countries, featuring 25 zero-emission and low-emission commercial vehicles across 8,000 square meters of exhibition space. The event highlighted the unique Southeast Asian approach to bus manufacturing, where local bodybuilders construct custom shells on imported or locally sourced chassis.
PT Tentrem Sejahtera received top design honors for its E-Velocity W1, while Laksana introduced the Legacy SR3 Neo Panorama electric intercity coach, built on Hyundai’s Elec City chassis. This coach is set to become the official team bus for Persija Jakarta, marking the first use of a fully electric team coach by a professional sports team in Indonesia.
International and Domestic Players Expand Their Presence
Xiamen Golden Dragon Bus Co. presented a 12-meter electric transit bus (XML6125JEVJC3) and a smaller urban passenger van, with its MAX model earning top spectator honors. The company also announced plans to introduce a range-extended electric bus platform designed for Indonesia’s long-haul and inter-island routes.
European manufacturers are also increasing their involvement. MAN Truck & Bus made its Busworld Southeast Asia debut, bringing its three-axle Lion’s Chassis CO platform and initiating discussions with local bodybuilders for future electric and low-emission models.
Fleet-as-a-Service and Workforce Development
In mid-July, INVI and KALISTA Group signed agreements with major Transjakarta operators to deploy 12-meter HIGER electric high-deckers, using a Fleet-as-a-Service model to address financial and infrastructure challenges. INVI is also expanding e-bus deployments to West Kalimantan and launching the INVI Technician Academy to train specialized mechanics.
The Transjakarta Academy is focusing on training more female technicians and drivers, supporting a commuter base where women account for about 60% of daily ridership.
Competitor Comparison
Jakarta’s electrification efforts are taking place alongside deployments from other major electric bus suppliers. Skywell Electric Bus, Zhongtong Electric Bus, and Golden Dragon Electric Bus have all contributed to the Transjakarta network’s transition, supplying battery-electric models that are already in daily service. These brands compete directly with locally assembled models in terms of technology, price, and operational support.
Historical Context and Regional Impact
Jakarta’s move from importing complete vehicles to assembling electric buses locally is reshaping the labor market, creating new technical jobs in manufacturing and maintenance. The city’s goal is to have the entire Transjakarta network running on electric power by 2030, a system that currently moves over 1 million passengers daily.
This operational blueprint is being closely watched by other ASEAN transit authorities as they consider similar transitions.
Why this matters
Jakarta’s rapid progress in electric bus deployment demonstrates how local manufacturing partnerships and international collaboration can accelerate fleet electrification in Southeast Asia. The city’s approach is setting a precedent for other regional capitals aiming to modernize their public transport systems while supporting local industry and workforce development.
What this means for buyers
For transit authorities and fleet operators, Jakarta’s experience shows the benefits of combining local assembly with global technology partners. Buyers in the region should monitor Jakarta’s operational results and workforce training initiatives, as these could inform best practices for scaling up electric bus fleets in other cities.
Key Specs
- Initial Batch of Local Electric Buses: 15 units integrated in late 2025
- Transjakarta Daily Ridership: Over 1 million passengers
- Busworld Southeast Asia 2026 Attendance: 5,000+ attendees from 41 countries
- Zero/Low-Emission Vehicles Displayed: 25 units
- Exhibition Space: 8,000 square meters (~86,111 square feet)
- Target for Full Electrification: 2030 for Transjakarta network
- Women’s Share of Ridership: Approximately 60%
Source
Images sourced from: cleantechnica.com, antaranews.com
