Indonesia’s public and private transportation options come with their own sets of advantages and challenges.
With a sample of 5.000 respondents, our recent survey discovered the level of comfort, costs, and issues faced by commuters in Indonesia, as shown in the infographic below.
Liza Amelia, Sales Executive of Snapcart in Jakarta (21/3) stated, “Public transportation plays a crucial role in daily commutes, but its level of comfort varies across different regions. Our data highlights the mixed perception of public transportation in Indonesia, with room for improvement in comfort levels.”
In this study, we figured out that:
- 7% of respondents find public transportion very uncomfortable, with Sumatra having the highest discomfort rate at 17%.
- 18% categorize it as uncomfortable, with Papua reporting the highest dissatisfaction (21%).
- Most respondents (55%) consider public transportation quite comfortable, especially in Java (61%) and Kalimantan (60%).
- 15% find it comfortable, while only 3% describe it as very comfortable.
Top 4 Issues with Private and Public Transportation in Indonesia
While public transportation remains a cost-effective solution, it does present challenges. The four major concerns include:
- Long waiting times (44%) – The most common complaint across regions, with Java reporting the highest at 45%.
- Overcrowding and discomfort (17%) – A key issue, particularly in urban areas.
- Inflexible routes (17%) – Making it difficult for people to reach their destinations conveniently.
- Security concerns (8%) – Higher in some regions like Sulawesi and Sumatra (10%).
Nevertheless, owning a private vehicle comes with its own set of problems too. This study highlights four major concerns:
- High Fuel & Maintenance Costs (45%) – This is the biggest drawback, making vehicle ownership costly.
- Traffic Congestion (23%) – A major issue, particularly in urban areas.
- Difficulty in Finding Parking (10%) – Limited parking spaces add to the stress of driving.
- Higher Risk of Accidents (7%) – Road safety remains a concern for private vehicle users.
Private vs. Public Transportation
A crucial factor influencing transportation choices is cost. According to our data:
- 12% believe private vehicles are much more expensive than public transportation, with the highest concern among upper-class respondents (20%).
- 19% say private vehicles are more expensive, especially in the upper-income group (20%).
- 45% think both modes have an almost balanced cost.
- 20% feel public transportation is more expensive, particularly in the middle-income group (22%).
- 5% believe public transportation is much more expensive.
