Jakarta, May 28 -- The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation is pushing for the strengthening of urban mass transit systems to slash fuel subsidy costs, while simultaneously easing traffic congestion, cutting pollution, and reducing commuting costs.

The ministry's Director General of Land Transportation, Aan Suhanan, said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday that transportation expenses consume up to 30 to 40 percent of people's income.

"This sector also accounts for 90 percent of the Rp300 trillion (around US$16.7 billion) annual fuel subsidy," he added.

According to him, this imbalance triggers issues, ranging from longer commute times and financial losses caused by congestion, air pollution, and barriers limiting public access to e...