Heaptalk, Jakarta — PT Kalista Biru Nusantara, a subsidiary of the Kalista Group, has launched 60 electric buses in collaboration with the Medan City Government. The 60 electric buses will operate on five routes: Amplas – Pinang Baris, J. City – Plaza Medan Fair, Tuntungan – Lapangan Merdeka, Belawan – Lapangan Merdeka, and Tembung – Lapangan Merdeka.
Medan mayoral candidate Bobby Nasution officiated the launch ceremony, along with Acting City Secretary Topan Ginting, Medan City Council Chair Wong Chun Sen, Medan Transportation Agency Head Iswar Lubis, Kalista CEO Albert Aulia Ilyas, and Blue Bird CEO Adrianto Djokosoetono.
Bobby Nasution stated, “The operation of electric buses reflects the Medan City Government’s commitment to creating a safe and comfortable public transportation system. We hope the presence of these electric buses will encourage more residents to choose public transportation over private vehicles.”
The 60 buses are low-entry Higer-brand units measuring 10.5 meters long with a battery capacity of 303 kWh. Each bus accommodates up to 52 passengers and has a range of 265 kilometers on a single 1.5-hour fast charge. The bus type was selected based on an in-depth survey by Kalista, which evaluated road conditions, potential obstacles, and infrastructure in Medan.

Before finalizing the specifications, Kalista conducted an 11-month trial using various models and specifications to assess their suitability and performance in Medan. “The trials involved seven brands with various sizes and specifications, conducted from January to November 2024,” Kalista explained in a press release.
Albert Aulia Ilyas, Kalista’s CEO, emphasized that the company ensured infrastructure and facilities were ready for the transition to electric buses. “Kalista has built 18 charging stations with 180 kW capacity supported by 4.3 KVA power from PLN. We’ve also established a workshop at the Blue Bird Pool on Jalan Panglima Denai for routine unit maintenance and monitoring,” he said.
These eco-friendly buses come with advanced safety features, including an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), driver monitoring system, emergency door sensors, fire extinguishers, emergency door buttons, glass-breaking hammers, emergency exits, CCTV, seatbelts, 360-degree cameras, and an onboard unit (OBU). Passenger amenities include 26 hand grips for standing passengers, wheelchair ramps, priority seating, and USB charging ports.