Jakarta. The Jakarta Transportation Agency has set aside a massive Rp 6.3 billion ($396,281) to purchase five electric patrol motorcycles for escorting Very Very Important Persons (VVIPs) and the incoming governor-deputy governor.

"These electric motorcycles will mainly be used to escort the newly elected governor," said Syafrin Liputo, Head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency, confirming the news in Jakarta on Wednesday. Jakarta is scheduled to hold an election for its new leader in November.

Syafrin clarified that the decision to use electric motorcycles aligns with the government's push for electric vehicle adoption.

The selection process for the motorcycles is slated to commence in March 2024 and conclude in June 2024, with the bikes expected to be put into use by December 2024.

Moreover, the procurement of these electric motorcycles follows Presidential Instruction Number 7 of 2022, which prioritizes the use of battery-powered electric vehicles for official purposes by government agencies at both the central and regional levels.

The acquisition of electric motorcycles for patrol escorts will replace the older bikes that have been in use since 2006.

"We have several old large motorcycles commonly used for escorts, with the latest acquisition dating back to 2006. Therefore, we plan to replace them with electric motorcycle technology," explained Syafrin.

Syafrin highlighted that the presence of these large motorcycles for patrols will increase the mobility of the Jakarta governor and serve as evidence of the Jakarta Provincial Government's commitment to reducing air pollution in the city.

Additionally, Syafrin mentioned that the Jakarta Administration procured 186 units of electric motorcycles for Jakarta Transportation Agency personnel patrols in 2023.