The decision to discontinue subsidies and incentives for electric vehicles, including electric motorcycles, has dampened expectations among manufacturers and users who viewed the policy as a key driver of adoption in Indonesia. For many commuters, electric two-wheelers have offered clear economic benefits through lower operating and maintenance costs, reinforcing their appeal in urban areas where motorcycles dominate daily travel.
Observers argue that the end of subsidies should be treated as a turning point rather than a setback, creating momentum to prioritise improvements in public transportation. Two-wheeled vehicles are often described as undermining mass transit systems by drawing riders away from buses and rail, and without parallel investment in reliable, affordable public transport, the transition away from subsidies risks reinforcing private vehicle dependence rather than reducing it.
The broader challenge now lies in balancing cleaner energy goals with urban mobility needs. While the shift away from direct incentives may slow electric motorcycle uptake, policymakers are being urged to channel resources into expanding and integrating public transport networks, ensuring that sustainability objectives are met alongside reduced congestion and more equitable access to mobility.