Decarbonisation of road transport in sub-national level in Indonesia

Decarbonizing road transport requires a socio-technological transition that integrates systemic changes in transport infrastructure, technological innovation, and broader societal transformation. Non-state actors—particularly sub-national governments and cities such as Jakarta Metropolitan City, West Java Province, and the City of Semarang—play a critical role in advancing climate mitigation efforts. These jurisdictions are formulating local transport strategies aimed at contributing to Indonesia’s national emission reduction targets. However, the scope and ambition of these strategies vary, shaped by local economic conditions, institutional capacities, and political cycles. Technological interventions are often prioritized due to their relative ease of implementation and potential for immediate impact. For instance, fuel-switching programs promoting biofuels or biodiesel align with national policy priorities and offer short-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential. In contrast, the transition to electromobility presents structural challenges, particularly the need to expand renewable electricity generation—an objective that remains difficult to achieve within urban governance constraints. Modal shift initiatives, including the promotion of non-motorized transport through improved pedestrian infrastructure and expanded bicycle lanes, have gained momentum in the post-COVID period. While these measures contribute to broader sustainability and public health goals, their direct emissions reduction potential remains comparatively modest. Complementary efforts—such as capacity building, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement—serve as essential enablers of socio-technological transitions at the city level. These initiatives facilitate coordination among diverse actors and help align local actions with national and global climate objectives.