The Universitas Indonesia (UI) Merah Putih (Red and White) Electric Bus became an operational vehicle at the G20 Indonesia Summit. This electric bus made by UI academics is concrete evidence of Indonesia’s contribution in creating a healthier environment. This is in accordance with one of the priority issues discussed in the G20 Presidency, namely a sustainable energy transition. UI through electric bus innovation seeks to present affordable and environmentally friendly public transportation.
This bus, which is open to the public use, operates from 13-20 November 2022. Before and after the conference, the bus operates from 06.00-18.00 WITA. Meanwhile, during the conference, buses only operated in the morning to keep the G20 Summit area conducive.
During the implementation of the G20 Presidency in the Nusa Dua area of Bali, three routes were implemented for electric bus operating lines, namely ND-1 (Lagoon Field–Samabe Bali Suites & Villas); ND-2 (Nusa Dua Beach Hotel–The Apurva Kempinsky); and ND-3 (Bali Collection–Ritz Carlton Hotel). G20 delegates can take advantage of UI’s Merah Putih Electric Bus on the ND-3 route with the Bali Collection, The Mulia Resort, The Apurva Kempinsky, and Ritz Carlton Hotel stopping points.
Member of the Electric Bus Supervision and Control Team at the G20 Summit, Azali, said the UI Red and White Electric Bus has a neat and nice interior, especially on the deck which looks elegant. He also considered the use of air conditioners to be stable enough to withstand hot conditions in the Bali area. “UI’s Red and White Electric Bus is already very top for G20 Indonesia. In the future, hopefully UI can maintain this quality,” said Azali while boarding the UI Electric Bus.
The benefits of the UI Electric Bus were not only felt by Azali but also the people who served at the G20 Summit, such as members of the TNI, members of the Bali Police, to members of the media from within and outside the country. With a capacity of 64 passengers, this large bus with a length of 12 meters can accommodate up to 13 tons of bus and passenger weight.
According to the Deputy Chancellor for Research and Innovation, drg. Nurtami, Ph.D., Sp,OF(K), UI will support and fund more innovations that make the sustainable energy transition a success. “UI is fully committed to supporting electrification, not only as a mission of the G20, but also part of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” continued drg. Nurtami.
During operation in Bali, the UI Merah Putih Electric Bus charges at Pelindo, Tanjung Benoa Port. With a maximum distance of 250 km, this bus only takes 1.5–2 hours to charge the battery. This means that with the ND-3 route which is only 5.7 km in one go, the UI Electric Bus can operate all day without requiring recharging.
The UI Merah Putih Electric Bus is the result of research by the Research Center for Advanced Vehicle (RCAVe), UI Faculty of Engineering. The bus design was carried out by a team headed by Prof. Dr. Ir. Danardono AS, DEA, while the electrical system was designed by a team chaired by Dr. Ir. Ferry Yusivar, M.Eng. This bus prototype was successfully built with funding support from the Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP), Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia.
The UI Merah Putih Electric Bus is a bus with the highest Domestic Component Level (TKDN) in Indonesia for the large bus class. This electric bus is also the only bus whose the design of the chassis platform, drive system, brake system, control system, inverter, dashboard, as well as the cooling systemair conditioning) are independently designed by UI experts and built by domestic companies, including PT Mobil Anak Bangsa (MAB), PT NSAD, PT Pindad, and PT AICOOL.
The existence of the Merah Putih Electric Buses in the G20 Presidency shows that Indonesia is serious in efforts to deal with environmental problems as are being pursued by countries in the world. In addition, this electric bus also proves that academics not only generate ideas, but can also collaborate with various parties to innovate products whose benefits are felt directly by the community. After participating in organizing the G20 Summit in Bali, UI’s Merah Putih Electric Bus will operate at the UI Depok Campus to support the realization of a green campus in Indonesia.
Author: Sasa
