Reflections on Public Transport Challenges in the Surabaya Metropolitan Area (Gerbang Kertosusila)
I am deeply disappointed with the state of public transport in the Gerbang Kertasusila region. While there have been some improvements, it’s clear that the government needs to aim higher to rapidly increase the accessibility and viability of public transport. One of the major contributors to Surabaya’s traffic congestion is the large number of people who work in the city but live outside of it, in areas like Mojokerto, Gresik, Lamongan, Malang, Sidoarjo, and even Madura. Without a robust and well-integrated public transport system, these commuters are forced to rely on private vehicles, exacerbating traffic issues.
Currently, Surabaya’s public transport system is a mix of bus services, trains, and some attempts at integration, but it remains insufficient for the size and complexity of the city. The Trans Semanggi and Surabaya Bus services cover certain areas, but their reach is limited. Many routes do not cover large portions of the city, especially in suburban or peripheral areas, which leaves many commuters dependent on personal transportation. Additionally, the Trans Jatim service connects Surabaya to neighboring cities, but this too suffers from limited coverage, long waiting times, and inconsistent schedules, making it a less viable option for regular commuters.
While efforts like Wira Wiri, Surabaya’s equivalent of Jakarta’s JakLingko, are commendable, they fall short of addressing the larger issues. One of the most glaring problems is the lack of integration between the bus and train systems, which makes it difficult for commuters to switch between different modes of transport seamlessly. For example, many people traveling from outside Surabaya by train have to deal with poor pedestrian infrastructure and inconvenient transfers once they reach the city.
Based on an article by the Jakarta government, public transport refers to systems that transport groups of passengers for public use. These systems vary based on the needs of the region. For example, on Penang Island, where I once lived, ferries connected the island to other areas. While a bridge could be used, ferries offered a convenient option for those without personal vehicles. This ferry system was integrated with Penang Sentral, enabling travelers to connect with rapid transit trains or buses to reach other parts of Malaysia.
In recent years, Indonesia’s public transport has shown significant improvement, particularly in Jakarta, the former capital city. Numerous enhancements can be seen, from improved pedestrian infrastructure to multiple integrated public transport options. It’s encouraging to see such progress in Jakarta. However, the same level of development is not as evident in other regions.
When it comes to East Java, the public transportation system lags behind, especially when compared to Central Java and Yogyakarta, which have implemented a reliable rapid train system despite not being as large as Jakarta. While other provinces on Java Island are accelerating their public transport improvements, East Java has also made some strides in recent years. However, it is still far from sufficient, and a stronger commitment is needed from both the government and residents to ensure further advancements.
Currently, East Java has limited public transport options, primarily concentrated in the Gerbang Kertosusila area. The Trans Jatim buses connect cities within the region, and Surabaya operates its own bus services, such as Surabaya Bus and Trans Semanggi. The Wira Wiri service, Surabaya’s version of JakLingko, also exists, while train services connect various parts of East Java, with commuter lines offering affordable transportation for daily passengers.
Yet, despite these efforts, public transport in Surabaya, one of Indonesia’s largest cities, still falls short. The system is not well-integrated, the coverage is insufficient, and the number of vehicles is inadequate. This makes public transport accessible only under specific conditions, which is inconvenient for those who rely on it.
Integrated public transportation is essential because no single mode of transport can cover all areas. For instance, when I lived in Malaysia, I frequently switched from train to ferry to travel from Seberang Prai to Penang Island, which lacks rail connections. The transition was seamless due to clear signage and directions at Penang Sentral, guiding passengers through the change. Unfortunately, such integration is missing in Surabaya.
For example, the TIJ Joyoboyo terminal connects Surabaya’s bus services with feeder routes. However, it’s still not well integrated with the nearest train station, Wonokromo, one of Surabaya’s major transport hubs. Passengers have to walk a considerable distance along poor pedestrian pathways to reach the bus terminal, making the commute uncomfortable and impractical for many.
The lack of integrated transport systems extends beyond Surabaya to Sidoarjo, home to Juanda Airport. Unlike airports in Yogyakarta and Jakarta, Juanda lacks a dedicated airport train. This is a major oversight, especially considering that Juanda is near Waru Train Station, which is close to the largest bus terminals in Surabaya and Sidoarjo. Integrating these facilities would greatly enhance public transport in the region.
I hope that in the near future, East Java will see better integration of its public transportation systems. A well-connected transport network is key to reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility. Surabaya’s mayor has acknowledged that traffic issues largely stem from commuters coming from surrounding cities like Sidoarjo, Gresik, Mojokerto, and Lamongan. By ensuring better integration of public transport systems between these areas and Surabaya, we can alleviate congestion and encourage more people to choose public transport over private vehicles.
