13 May 2026
Jakarta, May 13, 2026 – Amid growing public concern over urban air pollution, particularly from diesel-powered vehicles emitting thick black smoke, commonly referred to by Indonesians as “land squids” (cumi-cumi darat), the City of Semarang is taking a progressive step toward a cleaner and healthier public transportation system.
PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk (“VKTR”) is reinforcing its commitment to advancing environmentally friendly transportation in Indonesia through its participation in the procurement of electric buses for the Trans Semarang public transportation system in Semarang, Central Java. The procurement consists of 27 units of 12-meter low-deck electric buses, which will serve as urban public transport fleets and mark another important milestone in accelerating public transportation electrification in Indonesia.
The procurement process began in April 2026, following a trial phase conducted between February and March 2026, through a competitive and transparent selection process before being officially announced in May 2026. The deployment of VKTR electric buses as part of the Trans Semarang fleet is expected not only to improve the quality of public transportation services but also to address growing public demand for cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable mobility.
President Commisioner of VKTR, Anindya N. Bakrie, stated that the Trans Semarang electric bus project represents a concrete step toward supporting Indonesia’s Net Zero Emission targets in the transportation sector while improving urban quality of life. “This initiative reflects the increasing trust of regional governments in the capabilities of Indonesia’s domestic electric vehicle industry. More importantly, this transformation delivers direct benefits to communities through cleaner, quieter, and healthier public transportation. When people no longer have to face vehicle smoke pollution every day, the benefits extend beyond the environment to the overall quality of urban life,” said Anindya.
From a passenger experience perspective, electric buses offer greater comfort through quieter operations, reduced vibration, and the absence of combustion-related fumes, creating a more pleasant journey for commuters and residents along transportation corridors. Compared to conventional diesel-powered buses, electric buses deliver a more modern and human-centric mobility experience.
Mayor of Semarang, Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti, stated that the procurement of electric buses forms part of the Semarang City Government’s commitment to improving public transportation services while creating a healthier urban environment. “We welcome the introduction of electric buses for Trans Semarang services. This initiative is expected to enhance public comfort in using mass transportation while becoming an important part of efforts to reduce vehicle emissions in urban areas. We want the people of Semarang to enjoy increasingly comfortable public transportation alongside a cleaner city environment,” said Agustina.
As part of the implementation, VKTR will manufacture and deliver the electric buses assembled by skilled Indonesian workers at the company’s manufacturing facility in Magelang, Central Java. The fleet currently carries a Domestic Component Level (TKDN) exceeding 40%, among the highest in Indonesia’s electric vehicle industry, contributing not only to greener transportation transformation but also to strengthening domestic supply chains and the competitiveness of Indonesia’s automotive sector.
Powered by Locally Manufactured Indonesian Batteries
Moving forward, VKTR will further strengthen Indonesia’s electric vehicle ecosystem through the use of battery supplies from REPT Battero Indonesia (Battero), which is collaborating with VKTR to support battery requirements for locally produced electric buses and trucks in compliance with TKDN standards. These batteries are manufactured locally in Indonesia at Battero’s production facility in Sulawesi, representing a strategic step toward strengthening domestic supply chains while supporting the downstream development of Indonesia’s electric vehicle industry.
With the support of locally manufactured batteries, VKTR’s electric buses are projected to achieve TKDN levels exceeding 50%, further strengthening VKTR’s position as one of Indonesia’s national champions in the electric vehicle industry. This increase in local content is expected not only to accelerate the transition toward environmentally friendly public transportation but also to ensure broader economic benefits, job creation, and industrial development for Indonesian communities.
Through the deployment of the Trans Semarang electric bus fleet, the goal is not only to provide citizens with a more comfortable mode of transportation, but also to help create a city with cleaner, healthier air — a small yet meaningful step toward reducing “land squids” and making Semarang an increasingly livable city for future generations.
About PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk
PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk. (VKTR – pronounced “Vektor”) is a pioneer in the electrification of the commercial vehicle segment in Indonesia. VKTR officially listed its shares on the Indonesia Stock Exchange on June 19, 2023, becoming the first commercial EV issuer in the country. VKTR is committed to accelerating sustainable mobility through manufacturing innovation and strategic partnerships with the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers.
For more information, please contact:
VKTR Investor Relations (ir@vktr.id)
For media inquiries, please contact:
VKTR Corporate Communications (media.relations@vktr.id)