Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi announced that electric vehicle-based mass transportation in the new capital city, Nusantara (IKN), in East Kalimantan, will commence operations in August 2024. During an inspection of Transjakarta in Jakarta, Budi mentioned that the implementation of electric vehicles in IKN is on track for August. The Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) is procuring electric buses for mass transportation. In addition to electric buses, there will be Autonomous-rail Rapid Transit (ART), an autonomous rail-less tram operating on batteries, set to begin service in August. Ministers and senior officials are encouraged to use electric vehicles. Private companies like Blue Bird, Gojek, and Grab are preparing to operate electric vehicles in the area. However, regarding passenger drones or flying taxis, Budi stated that the regulatory framework has yet to be established, even in advanced countries like the United States. Consequently, the Ministry of Transportation has not yet issued permits for flying taxis as a mode of transport in IKN, allowing them only for exhibitions but not for public transportation.
In previous studies, the Ministry of Transportation has conducted technical planning for public transportation in KIPP phase 1, proposing three routes: from Park & Ride to Masjid Raya with 13 medium buses, from Park & Ride to Botanical Garden with seven medium buses, and from Park & Ride 1 to Park & Ride 2 with 21 medium buses. Additionally, OIKN plans to collaborate with Bluebird to provide electric bus services within IKN or KIPP phase 1. For 2025, the Ministry has proposed a Buy the Service (BTS) budget to service IKN routes, which will be adjusted based on the developed land parcels and the assessed needs by OIKN. The Ministry will support transportation for the celebration of Indonesia's 79th Independence Day in IKN on August 17, 2024.
