In the development of a city, urban transport is one of the most important aspects. Along with population growth and economic development, the transport system must also evolve to meet the needs of the community. In the province of South Sumatra, the presence of Light Rail Transit (LRT) is an important milestone in the development of a sustainable transport system. The South Sumatra LRT is not only a mode of transport, but also a backbone that supports the formation of a sustainable city.

A sustainable city can be defined as a city whose development planning refers to the balance of three pillars. Namely the environment, socio-culture, and economy in an integrated manner. The balance between these three pillars is important to ensure the sustainable use of available natural resources. Ensuring that the next generation has a healthy city.

The three pillars of a sustainable city can be broken down into important interrelated parts. First, the environment. This consists of urban land efficiency, energy use efficiency, waste and pollution reduction, integration of the natural environment into the city, and preservation of the cultural heritage. 

Second, the socio-cultural pillar, which includes poverty alleviation, meeting basic needs and services (food security, housing, clean water, waste, sanitation), reducing spatial inequalities, improving urban safety and comfort, developing urban identity, achieving good urban governance, life safety, equal access to basic services, democratic participation, positive social interaction, and developing human values for quality of life.

Finally, the economic pillar. It consists of increasing the productivity of the city, exploiting and developing the local economy, creating jobs, generating income, developing economic added value, and prioritizing local resources over imports, so that there is intergenerational equity. 

In terms of the three pillars, the South Sumatra LRT is certainly in line with all the criteria. The South Sumatra LRT has been built with green technology and design since it started operation in 2018. It not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also provides a sustainable solution for urban transport. The use of electricity as the main power source also reduces dependence on fossil fuels. This creates a green, clean, and healthy environment (green transportation).

It is also supported by people's interest in walking, cycling, using green vehicles, car-sharing, and striving to build or protect fuel- and space-efficient urban transport systems to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the air. 

Meanwhile, from a socio-cultural perspective, people are starting to be interested in riding the South Sumatra LRT. Based on data in 2023, the average daily passenger of the South Sumatra LRT is around 10.950. The number is quite high compared to 2022, which reached 8.459, and 2021, which reached 4.381 passengers. This number includes passengers who enter and exit the South Sumatra LRT on weekdays and weekends.

BPKARSS (South Sumatra Light Railway Management Centre) head Rode Paulus said the increase was due to increased mobility in the community. Especially at several stations such as Ampera, DJKA, Bumi Sriwijaya, which are the busiest stations for the LRT. The average passenger ranges from tradesmen and students to office workers.

The pattern of perception is also supported by the increasing traffic congestion on the arterial roads of Palembang city. This congestion can increase people's daily expenses. Based on the data, at least the loss due to traffic jams in Jakarta alone can reach Rp. 65 trillion/year. Meanwhile, for Semarang, Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, and Makassar, it reaches Rp. 12 trillion. An amount that exceeds the ABPD of each city per year.

In other words, in the future, people need to make public transportation a lifestyle. Various activities, such as shopping, going to school, or going on holiday, will be done using public transport. If this continues, it will create a new pattern of needs. The South Sumatra LRT is not only seen as a means of transport. Users also see it as something fashionable and cool.

On the other hand, the South Sumatra LRT serves as a catalyst for the development of peripheral areas as well as strengthening the creative and small/medium economies. There are 13 LRT stations that can be used for such development. From the airport to Asrama Haji, Punti Kayu, RSUD, Garuda Dempo, Demang, Dishub, Bumi Sriwijaya, Cinde, Ampera, Polrestas, Jakabaring, and DJKA. Of course, co-working spaces, station environments, and MSME tenants can also be used.

Based on data to 30 November 2023, there are currently 13 tenants with 11 partners working with the South Sumatra LRT. They occupy the DJKA, Polresta, Ampera, Cinde, Bumi Sriwijaya, and Asrama Haji stations. He added that many MSMEs trading on the South Sumatra LRT were happy because they had been given a stall. According to them, apart from the affordable cost, the number of visitors is also quite high. Especially on weekends, Saturday, or Sunday. It must be full of buyers. This can certainly increase people's income. Or at least open up partnership opportunities with the community.

The above examples are only a small part of the application of the three pillars: environment, socio-culture, and economy. A sustainable city cannot be achieved without the cooperation of all stakeholders. Central and local governments need to work together in synergy to achieve a sustainable city. One way is to optimize facilities. Good transport facilities are a magnet for investment and urban infrastructure development. Areas that were previously difficult to reach became more connected and easily accessible. It also boosts small and medium economic growth.

In South Sumatra LRT, there are currently pedestrian facilities, pedestrian bridges (JPO), bicycle parking, and feeder vehicle services. Based on the data, there are 7 corridors served by the South Sumatra LRT feeder. Corridor 1 route: Talang Kelapa-Talang Baruk. Corridor 2 route St. Asrama Haji-Sematang Borang. Corridor 3: Jalan Asrama Haji-Talang Betutu. Corridor 4 Jalan Polresta-Komplek Perum OPI. Corridor 5 Jalan DJKA-Terminal Plaju. Corridor 6 Jalan RSUD-Sukawinatan. And Corridor 7 Stadium, Kamboja-Bukit Sigantang. These seven corridors are right in the pockets of many residents. The hope is that people who find it difficult to access the South Sumatra LRT will be reached. This will encourage them to use public transport rather than private vehicles. 

On the other hand, the government also needs to think about intermodal integration. For example, providing large/medium-sized gas/electric buses, green vehicle stops, gas/electric filling stations, and easy access to green vehicle stops. This gives people many choices when traveling. The provision must ensure comfort and safety. 

Finally, it is necessary to control parking, curb driver behavior on the road, street vendors, and spill markets; provide roads with hard surfaces and road equipment; develop transit-oriented stations; manage waste; and maintain the South Sumatra LRT facilities and infrastructure. With synergy between the government, private sector, and community, the South Sumatra LRT can become a model for sustainable transport development in various regions.

Conclusion

The South Sumatra LRT is not only a mode of transport, but also an innovation in sustainable urban development. By becoming the backbone of transport, the South Sumatra LRT opens up new opportunities for economic growth, the development of peripheral areas and the creation of an environmentally friendly urban environment. Challenges will always exist, but with good management and active participation from all stakeholders, the South Sumatra LRT can be a mirror of success in creating a sustainable city.

 

By: Fajar Anugrah Tumanggor*.

*The writer is the Public Relations Officer (pranata) of BPKARSS/LRT Sumsel.