Palembang, KOTABARI.COM – Dozens of Transmusi buses in Palembang have been put on hold for an undetermined period. PT Trans Musi Palembang Jaya (PT TMPJ), the managing entity, announced the temporary suspension of 66 buses from operating on four routes within the city. This decision stems from a lack of operational funding from the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia over the past three months.
As a consequence of this suspension, thousands of passengers are stranded, and dozens of Transmusi bus drivers and staff members of PT TMPJ have been temporarily furloughed until the disbursement of funds from the Ministry of Transportation is resolved.
Anthony Rais, the Director of PT TMPJ, explained that among the halted fleet, 21 buses have a capacity of 50 passengers each, while 45 buses can accommodate 30 passengers. Rais emphasized that the depletion of operational funds compelled them to take this step.
PT TMPJ has officially notified the Palembang City Government, the Palembang Transportation Agency, and the Ministry of Transportation regarding this issue. They disclosed that since September 1, 2023, they have not received the promised operational funding.
“We have yet to receive operational funds totaling Rp6 billion for the last three months. In November, the passenger count reached 132,727 across all Transmusi routes,” stated Rais.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Land Transportation, through the Director of Road Transport, Suharto, explained that the delay in payment occurred due to insufficient budget allocation until the end of 2023. The attempted solution involves reallocating funds from other national budget sources to resolve this matter.
The delayed payments from the Ministry of Transportation have significantly impacted public transportation services in Palembang. PT TMPJ hopes for a prompt resolution to allow Transmusi buses to resume operations and meet the transportation needs of the Palembang community.