Key messages

• Indonesia can reduce its road transport emissions by as much as 84% by 2050 and improve public health by leveraging a strategic combination of policies, technological advancements and shifts in travel behaviour.

• Its strategy should be multifaceted, with components that seek to 1) avoid emissions by reducing travel demand, 2) shift travel modes from individual vehicles to public transport, and 3) improve vehicle efficiency by expanding the use of electric vehicles and increasing the use of biofuels as an interim fuel while pursuing full electrification.

• By using an approach driven by travel demand, Indonesia can undertake the flexible and tailored planning needed to respond to population growth and changes in travel behaviour in different urban areas.

• To realize the potential benefits, Indonesia should adopt, integrate and enforce stronger policy measures; establish stricter fuel efficiency standards; deploy targeted incentives for clean transport infrastructure; and support increased adoption of biofuels as a lower-emissions, transition fuel source.

• To monitor progress and improve accountability, Indonesia should improve data collection on travel behaviour; establish a national emission-tracking system; and set clear, local carbon-reduction targets that consider the differing needs of cities and provinces.