Indonesia's Transport Society Proposes Electric Motorcycle Incentives for Remote Areas

The Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) has proposed a strategic shift in the distribution of electric motorcycle incentives, advocating for prioritization of communities located near nickel mining areas and on remote small islands. MTI argues that this approach will ensure the benefits of the energy transition are more equitably shared and directly support populations facing significant fuel access challenges.

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The allocation of Rp5 million electric motorcycle incentives needs to be prioritized for two groups of people, namely residents in the vicinity of nickel mining areas as a form of regional justice, and residents on small islands who face energy resilience constraints (fuel difficulties).

According to MTI Advisory Council member Djoko Setijowarno, the proposed Rp5 million incentive should be directed towards residents in these specific regions. This aims to provide a form of regional justice for those living near nickel deposits and to address the energy resilience issues faced by island communities struggling with fuel availability. Djoko believes this targeted approach can help mitigate negative urban impacts like increased traffic congestion.

Setijowarno highlighted that remote areas could gain substantial economic advantages from adopting electric vehicles. He cited the example of Asmat Regency, which has independently utilized electric vehicles since 2007 due to limited fuel supplies, demonstrating the viability of electric mobility in hard-to-reach locations. Furthermore, he pointed out the irony that communities supplying the raw materials for electric vehicle batteries often remain in poverty.

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The experience shows that electric vehicles can be a mobility solution in areas that are difficult to reach by conventional energy distribution.

MTI also recommends extending incentives to three-wheeled electric vehicles and other commercial electric transport used by farmers, fishermen, and traditional market vendors. Lower operational costs for these vehicles could boost incomes and reduce logistics expenses in local economies. Additionally, MTI encourages government incentives for regional administrations developing electric public transportation systems, supporting the adoption of low-emission transit and improving overall mobility services.

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These areas that are the main suppliers of battery raw materials are still trapped in a cycle of disadvantage. Ironically, amidst the fanfare of the environmentally friendly trend, extreme poverty still plagues communities living on such rich land.