During a public transportation performance evaluation on Wednesday, the ministry's spokesperson, Adita Irawati, acknowledged that the transportation sector is often not prioritized in regional budgets (APBD).
As a result, public transportation programs initiated by the central government struggle to run sustainably due to limited financial support, she added.
This lack of funding affects the continuity of programs that are critical for communities in remote areas.
"When we discuss budget allocation, it must involve other sectors, particularly the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Home Affairs," she remarked.
Irawati confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued several provisions related to budget allocation, but improvements are still needed in the field.
On the same occasion, Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Transportation Community (MTI), Djoko Setijowarno, proposed the establishment of special allocation funds for public transportation in each region.
He emphasized that support from the Ministry of Finance is crucial to assist regions in procuring public transportation.
However, he clarified that the presence of special allocation funds should not exempt regions from allocating their own transportation funds through the APBD.
Setijowarno also stressed the importance of increasing feeder transport services for underdeveloped, frontier, outermost, and border areas.
"Small islands, especially those producing minerals, must receive attention, along with rural transportation that has disappeared," he added.
Related news: Prioritize low-income access to public transport: Indonesian ministry
Related news: Indonesia steps up use of electric buses to tackle air pollution
Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
