Even though there are still problems in TransJakarta bus procurement, Jakarta Provincial Government remains committed in adding TransJakarta bus fleets. But this time, the system used is different than the previous one. Moreover, a Swedish international standard bus manufacturer, Scania, is interested to provide TransJakarta buses. As a matter of fact, their environmentally friendly articulated buses will be tested tomorrow, Thursday (8/5).

It’s the first time they join (in bus procurement) because previously they always lost the tender. We’d buy (bus) as many as possible. And we asked the bus body should be (using) local (products)

Jakarta Vice Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama stated that test or bus demonstration is the main requirement for all bus manufacturers interested to offer their products. This system is applied to avoid rusty bus case from happening again. “Yes, we’d see (Scania) tomorrow,” he said at City Hall, Wednesday (5/7).

Besides Scania, Mercedes brand will also join in TransJakarta bus procurement. Indeed, Jakarta Provincial Government wants to increase the class and quality of public transport in the capital city. “Mercedes maybe next year. We must increase (the quality of) our public transport. Can you imagine, a big city but its bus rapid transit (BRT) uses unknown brand,” he expressed.

According to Basuki, the involvement of international-standard and proven track record bus manufacturers has been coordinated with Government’s Goods and Services Procurement Agency (LKPP). Thus, it is expected that in the future there would be no longer principle that the winning bidder is the one submitting the lowest price. The principle of tender used in e-catalog is the matter of prices and costs compared with the lifetime of the goods.

“In Singapore, Scania buses were still used for 20 years. Those buses were then sold to Africa and used again there. It means, Scania bus lifetime could reach 30 years. That’s why I asked would you buy an unknown car brand which lifetime is only 3-4 years? An unknown brand that we never heard compared to brand which has been proven, a brand which costs less than doubled of recognized brand? Unless we do not have money, yes (we’d buy the unknown brand),” he uttered.

However, the purchasing of famous brand bus manufacturer will be carried out next year because this year Jakarta Provincial Government is still focusing on tidying up TransJakarta bus lanes. In addition, the city is still waiting for PT TransJakarta to hold General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM), which is expected to be held in upcoming May.

“Besides, they (Scania) want to show their product first. It’s the first time they join (in bus procurement) because previously they always lost the tender. We’d buy (bus) as many as possible. And we asked the bus body should be (using) local (products),” explained Basuki.

As known, PT United Tractors Tbk (UNTR), which is a sole distributor of Scania in Indonesia, introduces Scania Euro 6, an environmentally friendly gas-fueled articulated bus. Its chassis or internal frame is made in Södertälje, Sweden, which known for a high durability.