Integrating transport across East Java to improve services and unlock investment 

• An integrated transport authority (ITA) for the greater Surabaya area could improve governance, services and investment, a new study finds. 

• Provincial stakeholders welcomed the findings at a dissemination event in Surabaya, hosted by GCIEP. 

• The study provides a clear roadmap for establishing the ITA to deliver more efficient, sustainable and inclusive transport across the region. 

A GCIEP-GKS+ dissemination event shared findings from a study on transport integration

Establishing an integrated transport authority (ITA) across the Surabaya metropolitan area could improve public transport service delivery, streamline governance and unlock private investment opportunities, a recent study has found. 

The results were shared with provincial stakeholders at a dissemination event on 20 August 2025 in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia – facilitated by the Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme (GCIEP). 

The Gerbangkertosusilo Plus (GKS+) region, which includes Surabaya city and surrounding urban areas, has ambitions to become a globally competitive economic hub. This requires sustainable and inclusive mobility across the GKS+ region. A study was initiated in November 2024 to assess potential options and a roadmap for establishing an ITA to improve transport governance. 

Drawing on real-world observations, stakeholder consultations and workshops, the study identified key challenges in integrating the region's transportation – including issues with physical infrastructure, management, ticketing systems and information provision. 

The study concluded by recommending the establishment of the GKS+ ITA as a regional-owned enterprise (BUMD). By serving as a central coordinating body, the ITA would streamline governance across multiple jurisdictions and align planning under a unified, climate-responsive framework. This also would improve public transport service delivery through integrated, real-time information systems and attract investment beyond state and regional budgets. 

The dissemination event marked the conclusion of the study phase, providing a platform to validate findings and build consensus. Stakeholders expressed strong support for advancing the ITA, with one representative from an East Java transport network emphasising “the need for harmony and collaboration among local governments to ensure seamless connectivity, including ports and airports.” 

Moving forward, the East Java Provincial Government and GCIEP are exploring the possibility of collaborating on the next steps to establish the ITA, including drafting regulations and developing a feasibility study for its formation. 

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The UK’s Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme is tackling climate change and extreme poverty by accelerating the delivery of sustainable green cities and climate-resilient infrastructure.