Semarang, February 13, 2026 - Responding to the concerns of Semarang citizens about fossil-fueled buses that produce air pollution to the point of being popularly nicknamed "Land Squid", PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk ("VKTR"), together with Laksana, took concrete steps by participating in the trial of a 12-meter electric bus in Corridor 1 of Trans Semarang’s line, which began to be carried out by the Semarang City Transportation Office, on Friday, 13/02/2026.

Currently, a total of 122 electric buses assembled by VKTR have been operating in Jakarta through several Transjakarta operators and an additional 30 buses are entering the bodybuilding stage at Laksana.

The trial was carried out on 1 unit of 12-meter electric bus assembled by VKTR and Laksana which will operate for 1 full month on the Mangkang Terminal – Penggaron Terminal route. During the trial period, the bus will full on serving passengers, so that a thorough evaluation can be carried out on technical, operational, and user experience aspects.

Before the start of the trial, VKTR and Laksana initiated a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the theme "Modernization Strategy and Transition of Electric Buses Towards Sustainable Semarang City Public Transportation" on Monday, 09/02/2026. This forum was attended by the Semarang City Transportation Office, BLU UPTD Trans Semarang, and several local operators. On this occasion, VKTR representatives explained about the readiness of electric vehicle technology, financing schemes, and operational safety standards as part of a comprehensive solution for public transportation electrification.

The trial of VKTR and Laksana electric buses was opened with a ceremony organized by the Semarang City Transportation Agency and attended by the Head of the Semarang City Transportation Office, Danang Kurniawan, S.H., Director and Chief Operational Officer of VKTR, V. Bimo Kurniatmoko, as well as Laksana Technical Director, Stefan Arman, and Laksana Commercial Director, Alvin Arman. In this series of ceremonial events, VKTR and Laksana electric buses also underwent a KIR test (vehicle feasibility periodic test) before being declared fit to operate.

Director and Chief Operational Officer of VKTR, V. Bimo Kurniatmoko, said that this step is part of the company's national expansion strategy.

"As a pioneer of CKD electric vehicle companies in Indonesia, VKTR is not only committed to presenting electric vehicles, but also actively encouraging EV adoption in various sectors, including the public transportation sector. After being trusted by Transjakarta to provide electric bus units in the capital city, we and Laksana certainly want to bring the success of this implementation to other cities. Therefore, we appreciate the trust given by the Semarang City Transportation Agency and Trans Semarang to participate in this trial. This is an important momentum for us and proof of our commitment to supporting the transformation of public transportation towards a cleaner and more sustainable direction," he said.

Laksana Technical Director, Stefan Arman, added that industry collaboration is the key to accelerating the electrification of public transportation.

"As a national bus body builder company, Laksana is committed to supporting the assembly of electric buses through design innovation and high safety standards. This collaboration with VKTR in Semarang shows that our local industry is ready to present modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transportation solutions," he explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Semarang City Transportation Office, Danang Kurniawan expressed his appreciation for this electric bus trial initiative as part of the Trans Semarang fleet modernization plan.

"We welcome the implementation of this electric bus trial as the first step towards a more environmentally friendly public transportation. Evaluations during the trial period will be an important basis in preparing for the wider implementation of electric buses in Semarang City, in line with our commitment to provide comfortable, safe, and sustainable public transportation services for the community," he said.

Semarang is currently preparing a plan to procure 27 units of 12-meter electric buses by 2026 for Corridor 1 as part of fleet modernization. This trial is expected to be the first step in the evaluation process towards wider implementation.

Through strategic collaboration between local governments and national industry players, VKTR is optimistic that the presence of electric buses in Semarang will not only provide solutions to the "Land Squid” issue, but also open a new chapter of national electric vehicle expansion in the public transportation sector.

About PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk 
PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk. (VKTR – pronounced "Vector") is a pioneer in the electrification of the commercial vehicle segment in Indonesia. VKTR officially listed its shares (IPO) on the Indonesia Stock Exchange on June 19, 2023, becoming the first commercial electric vehicle issuer in Indonesia. VKTR is committed to accelerating sustainable mobility through manufacturing innovation and strategic partnerships with the best global electric vehicle manufacturers.

For more information, contact:
Corporate Communications VKTR
(media.relations@vktr.id)

About Laksana
Karoseri Laksana is a leading carousel company in Indonesia with long experience in supplying vehicles to transportation operators, private companies, and government agencies, both domestically and internationally. With a commitment to innovation and high safety standards, Laksana continues to adapt to developments in land transportation technology, including supporting the transition to the implementation of electric buses in Indonesia.