Indonesia Marks National Transportation Day, Highlights Public Transport Use

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Every April 24, Indonesia commemorates National Transportation Day as a moment to reflect on the development of public transportation in the country.

History of the Development of Public Transportation in Indonesia

According to the official website of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Kudus Regency, the history of public transportation in Indonesia can be traced back to the Japanese occupation period in 1943, when an organized land transportation system was introduced to support logistics and public mobility.

At the time, there were two types of services: Jawa Unyu Zigyosha for freight transport and Cikarn Zidosha Sokyoku for passenger transport.

After Indonesia gained independence in 1945, the management of these services was taken over by the government through the Ministry of Transportation. The institutions were later renamed Djawatan Pengangkutan for freight services and Djawatan Angkutan Darat for passenger services.

Several years later, the government integrated these services into a single entity, Djawatan Angkoetan Motor Repoeblik Indonesia, or DAMRI, which became a key milestone in the development of national land transportation. DAMRI has since played an important role in providing public transportation services, ranging from passenger mobility to logistics distribution.

Entering the development era, the government began expanding networks and improving the quality of public transportation services. Various modes such as city buses and other public transport systems were developed to support increasing mobility demands.

This progress continued with the introduction of modern mass transportation systems in major cities, particularly in Jakarta and its surrounding areas, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), MRT, and LRT systems designed to improve efficiency and reduce congestion.

National Transportation Day Celebration in Jakarta

In 2026, the Jakarta Provincial Government introduced a special fare of Rp1 for public transportation users to mark National Transportation Day. The policy applies to all public transport modes operated by Jakarta-owned enterprises, including Transjakarta (BRT and non-BRT), MRT Jakarta, and LRT Jakarta.

The initiative was announced by Jakarta Governor, Pramono Anung, as a form of appreciation and an effort to encourage people to use public transportation more frequently in their daily activities.

“The Jakarta Provincial Government, to mark National Transportation Day, will provide convenience or free transportation services,” Pramono said via his Instagram account, as quoted on April 23, 2026.

By adopting public transportation in daily activities, people can help reduce traffic congestion and travel costs while also contributing to lower carbon emissions.