Jakarta. Indonesia’s largest taxi operator Bluebird Group is investing Rp 250 billion (approximately $16.2 million) to build an electric transportation system in the country’s new capital Nusantara.

Bluebird will be supplying the new capital with up to 100 electric taxis, among others, thus setting the scene for a city powered by an environmentally friendly transport system. The company will also take part in building the city’s bus rapid transit (BRT) which also runs on electric powertrain. 

“Since the very beginning, Nusantara has always embraced a green concept. Be it the area, surroundings, buildings, transportation, power generation, energy … everything has to be green,” Jokowi said when launching Bluebird’s e-mobility project in the new capital on Thursday.

“Bluebird’s investment will go into building an environmentally-friendly transportation system. This includes electric BRT, electric taxis, and rental cars, among others,” Jokowi said.

Bluebird will provide buses that can take people from the East Kalimantan city of Balikpapan to the new capital and vice versa. According to Jokowi, Bluebird will use smart technology to install the so-called park-and-ride, namely a system in which people can leave their cars in specified parking lots to go on public transportation.

The company’s press release published later that day revealed more details on the investment. Bluebird will equip Nusantara with 50 electric rental cars. The investment includes 10 Nusantara-Balikpapan buses, charging points, and depots.

“[Bluebird] will provide 40 units of electric city buses, bus stations to be spread across 53 locations, one transfer point [bus interchange station], and two park-and-ride systems,” the press release reads.

Jokowi had been touring the capital city to launch the third-phase groundbreaking ceremonies of investment projects worth approximately Rp 10 trillion combined. Jokowi’s recent visit also saw the launching of the construction works for the Pakubuwono Nusantara apartment project which is worth Rp 1 trillion.

As of Dec. 15, the Nusantara capital has received 328 letters of intent from investors who are willing to take part in building a city from scratch.

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