Chinese manufacturer, Golden Dragon Bus is expanding its presence in Indonesia through the supply of additional electric buses for PT Bianglala Metropolitan (PT BMP).
In 2023, Golden Dragon delivered 22 twelve-metre low-entry electric buses to Indonesia. Now, the company has secured a new 2024 contract to supply 90 twelve-metre high-floor electric buses, representing the largest single electric bus order in Indonesia to date.
Indonesia’s public transportation system primarily relies on road networks due to its vast geography and archipelago structure. With over 280 million residents, the country has high demand for bus services, but most buses remain diesel-powered.
To reduce emissions, the Indonesian government issued a 2019 decree to prioritise electric vehicles in public procurement, aiming to address environmental and energy sustainability goals through increased adoption of electric buses.
The capital city, Jakarta, has implemented specific measures to support electric bus adoption. These include policies aimed at financing electric vehicle procurement, developing charging infrastructure, and establishing a target for Transjakarta, the city’s bus rapid transit (BRT) operator, to transition 10,047 buses to electric by 2030.
PT Bianglala Metropolitan (PT BMP), which operates in Jakarta, began adopting electric buses in 2023. The company currently operates 22 Golden Dragon electric buses out of a total fleet of 500 vehicles. These buses are used on non-BRT routes, travelling an average of 244 kilometres daily.
The operator’s latest order for electric buses will service dedicated BRT routes, enabling further expansion of electric bus services in the city.
The new high-floor electric buses have been designed to handle high temperatures, humidity, and corrosion. They use CATL’s latest high-density batteries, which offer increased energy efficiency and an extended warranty of up to 10 years. The axles also feature maintenance-free wheel ends, reducing upkeep costs and supporting the buses’ operational efficiency.
Golden Dragon also provides comprehensive support to Indonesian bus operators in transitioning to electric vehicles. This includes technical training, remote and on-site assistance, parts supply, and performance monitoring.
What’s more, Golden Dragon has established a partnership with SAG, a local partner in Indonesia, to support pre-sales research, after-sales services, and parts supply. SAG has indicated plans to introduce Golden Dragon’s electric bus chassis for local assembly, which could further support Indonesia’s electric transportation goals.
