Jakarta governor, president discuss electric cars

A passenger gets off the electric bus after taking part in the trial in the City Hall yard, Jakarta. (ANTARA PHOTO/Aprillio Akbar)

The evaluation of the three buses suggests that they provide comfort for passengers, without loud engine noise and pollution. Almost all passengers of the electric cars felt as if they drove a noiseless golf car,

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan discussed a plan to introduce electric cars in the capital with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Tuesday.

The Jakarta administration plans to replace all modes of public transport with electric cars, Baswedan remarked at the Presidential Palace compounds in Jakarta on Tuesday.

At the meeting, Baswedan and Jokowi also discussed the integration of transportation systems in Jakarta and preparations for the Formula E Racing Championship for electric cars in 2020 in Jakarta.

The Jakarta administration had launched three electric buses in March 2019, and they have been operational.

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"We will develop it (the electric bus transportation system)," he noted.

While inaugurating the ASEAN Secretariat Building in Jakarta on August 8, 2019, President Jokowi encouraged the Jakarta administration to offer incentives to the city residents keen on buying electric cars, including electric buses and taxis.

"The evaluation of the three buses suggests that they provide comfort for passengers, without loud engine noise and pollution. Almost all passengers of the electric cars felt as if they drove a noiseless golf car," Baswedan stated.

The city administration is also contemplating on operating electric-powered Transjakarta buses, he added.

"(The operation of) Transjakarta (electric buses) is still under discussion, but (as the operator), Transjakarta will not procure the buses. We will purchase the services. The buses will come from private companies. The companies are required to operate electric buses," he stated.

President Jokowi has signed a regulation on August 5, 2019, to expedite the development of the electric car industry.

Through the regulation, the president is keen to encourage the automotive industry to build the electric car industry in the country.

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