An integrated, safe, and sustainable transportation system is one of the main pillars of national progress. Recognizing the strategic role of this sector in boosting economic growth and improving quality of life, the government is currently drafting the National Transportation System Bill. This bill is expected to address existing challenges and seize opportunities in transportation to help achieve the national target of 8% economic growth.
To strengthen the academic manuscript and the draft bill, Dr. Tri Mulyani Sunarharum, lecturer at the Department of Architecture and Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and representative of the Asosiasi Sekolah Perencanaan Indonesia (ASPI), provided strategic recommendations. Her input was delivered during an online conference held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, starting at 1:00 PM (WIB). The involvement of academia in the policy-making process demonstrates the importance of synergy between education, government, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Tri Mulyani addressed seven key issues: improving sustainable transportation infrastructure, strengthening public transport, enhancing connectivity in remote and border areas, improving transportation safety and security, reforming regulations and governance, developing human resources and innovation, and advancing digitalization toward smart transportation. She emphasized that the success of this bill depends not only on its policy substance but also on the clarity of its indicators and implementation mechanisms. While several of these points are already covered in the draft bill, further elaboration and detailed strategies are still needed.
The drafting of the National Transportation System Bill aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By developing a modern, safe, affordable, and low-emission transportation system, Indonesia is not only driving economic growth but also safeguarding environmental sustainability. Moreover, this policy will improve accessibility, mobility, and quality of life for communities across the archipelago.
Reported by Rindi Dwi Cahyati