Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a province with a special capital region status. Consisting of five administrative cities and with a fast-growing population that needs rapid transportation across the vast province, it was fitting when it played host to the largest bus exclusive exhibition, the Busworld South East Asia held from March 19 to 22 at the Jakarta International Expo at Kemayoran in North Jakarta.
A country with a vast population of 260 million, most of the Indonesians prefer the country’s ever-improving Bus Rapid Transportation system. With buses being a preferred for public transportation in provinces like Yogyakarta, Solo and Jakarta, a huge potential arose for bus manufacturers and coach builders to try and enter the market. Busworld SEA played a moderating role of connecting these manufacturers and companies to potential customers in the country.
Busworld also identified Indonesia as a fast growing and a promising market for buses and coaches, as well as its neighbouring countries.
With this new exhibition, Busworld is now counting eight exhibitions around the world, namely: Belgium (Europe), Turkey, Russia, Colombia (Latin America), India, China, Kazakhstan and, finally, South East Asia (Jakarta).
The exhibition was organised with the support of Global Expo Management (GEM) that already boasts rich experience in exhibition organisation as well as the commercial vehicle industry. A total of 51 exhibitors were present at the event, displaying a wide range of products such as doors, electronics and components. Mammoth exhibitors such as Volvo, Mercedes and Laksana launched top-of-the-line buses to the Indonesian market.
Also present was Jakarta’s oldest Bus Rapid Transportation System, PT Transportasai Jakarta (TransJakarta). The public transportation operator displayed its first-ever fully-electric bus, which is set to become operational soon. With no EVs currently on the road, the brand new C6, K9 and MD12E battery-powered models are set to be the redemption in the country’s automotive transformation.
Mr. Didier Ramout, President, Busworld International, said at the inaugural ceremony: “South-East Asia has great potential in the bus segment. It was no coincidence that Indonesia was chosen to host a new exhibition in a B2B format. The country’s bus and coach market is ready for this specialised professional exhibition and conference. Although the bus and truck industry might be linked through their similar technologies, the markets are completely different. Hence this separate, targeted approach is required for the deserving bus and coach industry.”
Busworld Academy Conferences
During the three-day exhibition, the Busworld Academy also scheduled a variety of seminars, presentations and panel discussions by high-level speakers. The programme was dubbed as ‘Making bus transport systems attractive, efficient & affordable in South-East Asia.’
One of the key events of the Busworld Academy was the CEO round-table moderated by Mr. Budi Setiyadi, General Director of Land Transport in the Ministry of Transport, with its theme ‘Shaping tomorrow’s Public Transport in ASEAN countries.’