South Korea Supports Bali's Transition to Eco-Friendly Public Transport with Electric Buses

The South Korean government is supporting the introduction of the first public electric buses in Bali, Indonesia, through official development assistance (ODA). This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from local public transport and support the overseas expansion of domestic electric bus and charging equipment companies.

The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced on October 21 that it will hold a launch ceremony for the "Indonesia Electric Vehicle and Charging Infrastructure Pilot Project" on October 22 at the Bajra Sandhi Monument in Bali. The event will be organized in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Bali provincial government.

As part of this project, 11 Hyundai electric buses and six 100 kW rapid chargers from domestic company Chaebi will be introduced in Bali, where tourism and transportation demand is concentrated. The buses are expected to begin operations in November after a selection process for operators. This marks the first official introduction of public electric buses in Bali.

The ministry believes that the operation of electric buses will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the local public transport environment. For domestic companies, this project provides an opportunity to operate electric buses and charging equipment under local traffic conditions, allowing them to gain performance and operational experience.

During the operation, data on battery efficiency, charging types, and passenger demand will be collected. The ministry plans to use this data to enhance the competitiveness of domestic companies and to lay the groundwork for expanding the export of eco-friendly transport technologies and equipment to other regions in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

Approximately 300 attendees are expected at the event, including Yoon Soon-gu, the South Korean Ambassador to Indonesia, Bambang Brodjonegoro, the Indonesian Minister of National Development Planning, Wayan Koster, the Governor of Bali, and representatives from Hyundai and Chaebi.

Kim Ji-young, the ministry's international cooperation officer, stated, "The establishment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure in Bali will broaden the potential for the overseas application of Korean-style green mobility. Through ODA projects, we will actively support developing countries in responding to climate change and achieving sustainable development while facilitating the overseas expansion of domestic eco-friendly automobile and charging equipment companies."