Centrepindo makes motorbikes

JAKARTA (JP): PT Centrepindo Sejahtera has received a license from the government to jointly produce motorcycles with two Chinese firms -- Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Company and Jiang-zhou, the Indonesian company's president said.

Centrepindo president Gunadi Santoso said in a press meeting yesterday that his company would invest about Rp 80 billion (US$35 million) to build its manufacturing plant in Cirebon, West Java.

He said the plant would produce about 20,000 750cc and 125cc motorcycles next year.

"We decided to form a partnership with the Chinese companies to produce the motorcycles to be named Motra, the acronym of Motor Rakyat or the people's motorbikes.

The Chinese companies would guarantee the transfer of the technology to Indonesia, he said, adding that the joint venture would also be allowed to modify the product in line with the market condition and trend in the country.

Gunadi said construction of the plant was underway and was expected to be completed by the end of this year. It is expected to start operation and production early next year.

The plant will employ 210 local workers and several foreign experts. (rms)