Antara News·Indonesia·Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 11:45 AM UTC

Emission-free: Bali youth's new lifestyle on electric buses

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Muliantari, Kenzu

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Amid the noise of fossil-fueled engines and dense urban traffic in Denpasar, Bali, a bus in red, white, and black drives almost silently.

The battery-based fleet marked the start of a lifestyle shift among Bali’s young generation toward clean mobility.

The cool, clean, and quiet cabin is now a new backdrop to residents’ daily activities.

For young Balinese, the trial run of the Trans Sarbagita electric bus fleet is not just an addition to daily public transport, but a choice to reduce their carbon footprint in their area.

Eco-friendly lifestyle

One of those experiencing the change in mobility habits is Ega, a 23-year-old from Denpasar who recently completed his bachelor’s studies.

Every workday, Ega combines public bus services with a folding bicycle. He takes the bus, gets off at the Jimbaran stop, then continues pedaling to and from his workplace.

This active mobility choice not only cuts daily transport costs but also keeps him physically fit amid the city’s congestion.

For Ega, switching to the electric bus fleet is a concrete step by the young generation to tackle air pollution.

He also refuted the mistaken view that public transport in Bali lacks interest, as he sees crowded passengers on the bus every day.

Another story comes from Indi, a young Generation Z worker in Denpasar who rode the same bus as the Bali Governor on Monday (November 9) morning.

Indi used the free electric bus trial to work outside the office, heading to the Bali State Polytechnic campus area in Jimbaran.

Boarding at a stop marked with an electric vehicle (EV) bus stop sign near the Trans Rumah Tanjung Bungkak bus shelter, Indi felt greatly helped by this eco-friendly public transport.

For Indi, battery-based public transport is the right solution amid expensive online motorcycle taxi fares and uncertain fuel oil prices.

Indi said she considers the bus very efficient for young people, while freeing them from dependence on private vehicles.

The electric bus service also brings a sense of safety for vulnerable groups.

Ni Luh Putu Sri Wahyuni, a 27-year-old pregnant woman trying the electric bus for the first time, said she felt a significant difference in cabin comfort.

The absence of harsh vibration and engine noise made the trip feel far more calming.

The service’s inclusivity proves that clean energy public transport can accommodate the needs of all residents.

Amid the fuel oil shortage experienced some time ago, the zero-emission electric bus is a strategic option people can rely on at any time.

Toward zero-emission Bali

People’s shift to this eco-friendly electric bus aligns with the Bali Provincial Government’s major policy direction.

The operation of 11 electric buses, consisting of 10 active units and one reserve, is the result of an international grant collaboration between the Bali Provincial Government and the South Korean government totaling about Rp50 billion.

The value covers buses worth Rp45.6 billion and charging facilities worth Rp5 billion.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster chose the red, white, and black combination on the bus body to radiate Bali’s strong cultural character through Tri Datu symbolism.

The policy aims to accelerate implementation of Gubernatorial Regulation No. 45 of 2019 on Bali Clean Energy Self-Reliance and Gubernatorial Regulation No. 48 of 2019 on the Use of Battery-Based Electric Motor Vehicles.

The acceleration is based on Bali’s target of net zero emissions by 2045, faster than the national target of 2060.

Economic calculations show electric vehicle operation cuts energy operating costs by more than 60 percent compared with fuel oil vehicles.

Besides reducing greenhouse gas emissions and urban noise, the move is designed to boost Bali’s image as a globally competitive green tourism destination through the "Three Zeros" motto, which are zero pollution, zero noise, and zero rupiah during the one-year trial.

The electric buses serve the GOR Ngurah Rai Sports Complex to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park corridor.

An added special route through Hayam Wuruk Road was designed to fill gaps in public transport service in areas with dense public movement.

Operated by state-owned transport company DAMRI, 20 trips are prepared daily starting at 6:15 a.m. local time.

Each bus has 20 seats and room for 10 standing passengers and is designed to be disability-friendly, with one unit equipped with an automatic wheelchair lift.

All electric charging is tied to a special tariff scheme with state-owned electricity company PLN.

In the future, the electric bus route is projected to be fully integrated with the Trans Metro Dewata corridor and transit areas based on urban rail Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).

The presence of electric buses from government cooperation, together with young people’s eco-friendly lifestyle, is real proof of a shared step, steering the island’s future toward a new, efficient, and sustainable era.

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