Transportation Ministry Applauds Batam’s Trans Batam Expansion

RRI.CO.ID, Batam — The Directorate General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation has expressed appreciation for the commitment of the Batam City Government in optimizing Trans Batam bus services through gradual fleet expansion through 2026.

Director General of Land Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, Aan Suhanan, said the development of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system under the Buy The Service (BTS) scheme is a strategic step toward creating modern, integrated, and sustainable public transportation.

“The development of BRT through the BTS scheme is a strategic step to achieve orderly, productive, and sustainable urban mobility. We see that the strengthening of Trans Batam is being carried out consistently,” Aan Suhanan said during the launch of the Trans Batam Bus Operations 2026 in Batam, Riau Islands, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

He explained that since 2024, the Batam City Government has introduced 20 Trans Batam buses, added 13 units in 2025, and another 19 units in 2026, bringing the total BTS fleet in operation to 52 buses.

According to him, the entire fleet will serve five strategic corridors to Batam Centre, namely Sekupang, Tanjung Uncang, Jodoh, Tanjung Piayu, and Nongsa.

The Ministry of Transportation also praised the implementation of cashless payment systems and intermodal integration of Trans Batam, including connectivity to Hang Nadim International Airport.

Aan said strengthening public transportation through BRT development is essential to improve mobility efficiency and reduce the economic burden caused by high transportation costs and traffic congestion.

“Currently, transportation costs account for up to 30–40 percent of people’s income, and the sector also absorbs 90 percent of fuel subsidies worth Rp300 trillion per year,” he said.

He added that this imbalance causes various problems, including longer travel times, losses due to congestion, air pollution, and limited access to education and employment.

To address these issues, the government continues to develop Urban Mass Public Transport (AUMP) in 20 major cities under the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).

The program aims to reduce travel time, improve accessibility, and optimize urban areas as centers of economic growth. Aan said AUMP development requires integrated planning, co-funding between central and regional governments, and strong governance to create a sustainable, fair, and efficient transport system.

As part of support for digitalizing regional transport services, the Directorate General of Land Transportation also provides the Mitra Darat application to help operators improve service quality quickly and measurably.

Additional support is also provided through the official Teman Bus website, BTS operational management applications, Executive Dashboard for operational monitoring, Digital Checker App for monitoring minimum service standards, and Checker Web to track service performance. Aan expressed hope that Trans Batam could become a national model for reducing congestion and boosting regional economic growth.