PT Transjakarta Director, Welfizon Yuza outlined the plan for the Jakarta Transportation Agency to assign the management of public transportation to and between the Seribu Islands to Transjakarta, starting next year.

Welfizon stated that the transfer of management is expected to strengthen connectivity while accelerating economic growth in the Seribu Islands.

"The Governor and the executive are focused on accelerating economic growth in the Seribu Islands by supporting, facilitating, and improving connectivity," he said, Wednesday (8/12).

According to him, Transjakarta requires a legal framework to serve as both the operator and manager of water-based transport in the Seribu Islands. Consequently, his party has proposed an amendment to Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 4 of 2014, which governs the scope of Transjakarta's business operations.

Under this mandate, Transjakarta will establish the management of water transport services, develop supporting digital platforms and systems, and optimize marine and port assets along with other supporting infrastructure.

Welfizon added that the expansion of the business scope also has the potential to contribute to Local Revenue (PAD), particularly through the development of non-farebox services or revenue streams beyond ticket sales.

One of the measures being prepared is the establishment of a subsidiary to act as a transport operator capable of operating within the Jabodetabek area as well as in cities outside Jakarta.

In addition, Transjakarta plans to develop the Transjakarta Academy into a Professional Certification Body (LSP). The company is also establishing an asset management company to optimize and commercialize assets, as well as to manage infrastructure and service facilities.

"The most significant issue impacting the community is the need for water transportation. Addressing this is a key priority for the Governor as he works to seriously improve the Seribu Islands, starting with connectivity," he explained.

Meanwhile Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the Regional Regulation Formation Agency (Bapemperda) of the Jakarta City Council (DPRD), has urged that the expansion of Transjakarta's business scope not be limited to water-based transport. He proposed that air transport operations also be considered, given that the Seribu Islands possess an airport facility that is currently inactive.

"I believe the scope of the changes could be expanded further, not limited to just the waters. A regional regulation needs to have longevity; we shouldn't have to amend it every time there is a new assignment," he assessed.

He asked Transjakarta to discuss the proposal with the Jakarta Governor, Pramono Anung. This way, if Transjakarta is assigned to manage the airport, there will be no need to amend the regional regulation at a later date.

"So, if the Governor decides to activate the airport in the future, there will be no need to amend the local regulation again. TransJakarta can move quickly," he admitted.