RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – Tulungagung officials have begun building a Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPLU) at Gayatri Terminal to strengthen support for electric rickshaws and other small electric vehicles.
The Tulungagung Transportation Agency (Dishub) is leading the initiative, while state electricity firm PT PLN (Persero) is carrying out the construction. Workers are currently completing the foundation, and PLN will install the main charging equipment once the structure is ready.
Authorities selected the entrance of Gayatri Terminal because it serves as one of the region’s busiest transport hubs. For now, the government is developing a single charging point as a pilot project.
Panji Putranto, Head of Traffic at Dishub Tulungagung, said the station will serve electric rickshaws, electric bicycles, and electric motorcycles. However, the facility will not support electric cars due to limited power capacity.
“Electric cars require much larger electrical capacity. Therefore, this station focuses on smaller electric vehicles, including electric rickshaws,” Panji said.
Although the first unit will operate at Gayatri Terminal, officials plan to assess demand before expanding to other locations. In particular, Dishub will review areas with a high number of drivers who received electric rickshaws through the central government assistance program.
Moreover, the agency is coordinating with the Social Affairs Office, municipal police (Satpol PP), and district administrations to identify strategic future sites. Through this collaboration, authorities aim to ensure the infrastructure matches real community needs.
Panji clarified that PLN manages the procurement and installation process. Meanwhile, Dishub submits formal proposals and recommends installation points.
“We proposed the Gayatri Terminal entrance as the first location. PLN handles the equipment and installation,” he explained.
In addition to the terminal-based facility, Dishub is preparing charging outlets at its office. This measure will give drivers an alternative charging option, especially during peak hours.
The Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station initiative follows the central government’s electric rickshaw assistance program. Many elderly drivers received electric rickshaws under this program, which promotes cleaner and more sustainable urban transport.
Officials expect the new facility to improve drivers’ mobility and reduce operational burdens. As a result, drivers can operate more efficiently and extend their daily service range.
“With electric power, their work becomes lighter and more efficient. Ultimately, we want this infrastructure to strengthen their livelihoods,” Panji added.
Once PLN completes the installation, Dishub and PLN will organize training sessions. These sessions will help drivers understand how to use the Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station safely and effectively.