Busworld South East Asia 2024: an overview from Jakarta

The third edition of Busworld South East Asia, currently live in Jakarta (14-17 May 2024), provides a interesting look into a market rich in peculiarities. The event highlights the latest technological innovations in the region and offers a platform for networking.

The Indonesian market is skewed towards tourism, and the main players are the bodybuilders: there is no supply of complete buses; the entire market is dominated by bodybuilders (largely family-owned) who create coaches of extremely high comfort levels based on chassis from MAN, Scania, Volvo, Mercedes, Hino, etc.

Bodybuilders dominating the market

Adiputro is the major Indonesian bodybuilder, and brought a diverse range of buses to the event: a double-decker bus, based on a Volvo B11R chassis, a single-decker coach on a Mercedes chassis, and the fifth generation of the Jetbus series. The company aims to produce 1,600 units this year, maintaining a strong market presence. What is worth mentioning, their 3-axle offering is only Euro 5, and this stands out in a country where the standard is today Euro 4.

New Armada is another traditional (50 years of history) player in the Indonesian market. The Citouro bus, with its radically separated driver’s area, accomodates 18 seats, including two folding ones. Their Skylander series introduced the Vision 8 Touring (a premiere at this year’s Busworld South East Asia), which features a unique single glass design, and the Aero8SLR sleeper bus.

The latter stands out with its 24 sleeping berths, each equipped with personal monitors and climate control, providing a luxurious travel experience. Additionally, the Aero8 Fusion model combines front seating with rear sleeper berths, catering to diverse passenger needs.

Another established local bodybuilder, Laksana has been producing around 1,300 buses annually, ranging from 8 to 13.5 meters. They have been introducing sleeper buses in 2019. They are in Jakarta with a 12-meter e-buses made in cooperation with Hyundai and a new model half sleeper (in the rear) and half executive class seating (front).

Tentrem and Golden Dragon, early focus on e-mobility

Tentrem, a family-owned business established in 1983, has showcased the TRON-E, a 12-meter electric bus designed for the Transjakarta BRT line, powered by a 400 kWh battery and featuring a Wintrone chassis. On the coach side, the Avante H8 Grand Captain, another highlight from Tentrem, offers an ultra-luxurious experience with 21 standard seats and two sleeper seats that provide panoramic views and advanced entertainment options.

Among the standout exhibitors, Chinese Golden Dragon (marketed in Indonesia co-branded as SAG) showcased three electric buses. The 6-meter All Star, boasting a 122 km range, is designed to address urban last-mile operations with its compact and efficient design. Complementing this is the In-Tour E-Bus, a 7.3-meter model equipped with 127 kWh CATL batteries and deluxe seating, offering a blend of comfort and sustainability. Also a 12-meter vehicles is displayed.

SONGZ, a China-based prominent supplier of bus air conditioning systems, displayed the LMD-VI, their most sold product: if features a heat pump and electric cooling system and has seen over 60,000 units in the global market. With significant expansions into Latin America and Europe, SONGZ supplies major brands such as Karsan, Otokar, and Isuzu, and maintains a strong foothold in China, Turkey, and Brazil.