Chinese heavy trucks pave the way for new mutualistic cooperation in Indonesia

Recently, FAW Jiefang Automobile Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China First Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (China FAW), China’s heavy-duty vehicle giant, announced that the first LN4×4 truck produced at the FAW TRUCKS KD factory in Indonesia has been successfully assembled and officially rolled off the local production line.

“This good news makes us even more confident in cross-border cooperation!” said Yu Changxin, vice president of FAW TRUCKS.

FAW TRUCKS is not only committed to producing high-quality trucks but also to bringing those trucks to every corner of the world. Indonesia is one of the most significant markets for this Chinese automotive manufacturer.

At a large coal mine deep in the interior of Kalimantan, a brand-new JH6 heavy dump truck navigates muddy and rugged roads, demonstrating its operational resilience in harsh terrain.

“The terrain here is muddy, the slopes are steep, and the road conditions are extremely tough. Previously, ordinary trucks often broke down, and low operational rates were a major issue,” recalled Steve Alfi Ramdani, the head of the coal mining company.

Conditions began to change after the arrival of FAW TRUCKS’ heavy dump trucks, specially designed for extreme terrains. Facing extreme conditions such as high temperatures, high humidity, and continuous heavy operations, FAW TRUCKS offers a chassis with a reinforced three-layer frame and high-load-capacity suspension.

Additionally, the company provides tailored solutions with an optimised heat dissipation system and protection against salt spray corrosion.

Thanks to these scenario-based adaptations, the breakdown rate of these “mine warriors” has dropped by 20% compared to other international competitors, while the annual operational revenue per vehicle has significantly increased by 10%.

Stories of such “custom-designed” solutions continue to emerge in Indonesia. FAW TRUCKS strictly adheres to Indonesia’s petroleum transport standards, achieving accident-free safe operations and becoming the only Chinese brand on the procurement list of PT Pertamina (Persero), Indonesia’s state-owned oil company.

Meanwhile, large-horsepower tractors with low fuel consumption, developed specifically for efficient logistics needs, have reached a strategic procurement agreement for 1,200 units with a leading logistics company in Indonesia.

“In our overseas expansion map, the Indonesian market is an important part of our global strategy,” said Yu Changxin.

“This market was previously dominated by automotive manufacturers from other countries. To increase the market share of Chinese vehicles, price advantages alone are not enough. We must deliver a ‘Chinese solution’ that includes product adaptations to on-site conditions and comprehensive services,” he added.

A recent incident proved the effectiveness of this system. When a JH6 truck broke down at a mine in Sulawesi, mine manager Li Zhenbo was prepared for production disruptions.

“Similar breakdowns in the past could take three to four days or even longer to repair,” he said.

However, the FAW TRUCKS service team arrived at the site within 24 hours, despite difficult road conditions, and completed the repairs in 48 hours, averting potential production losses for the mine.

Behind this efficiency and reliability lies close cooperation between the Chinese team and local teams. As a technical expert dispatched from China, Kang Baoshan, a service technician from FAW TRUCKS’ Indonesia office, has worked in the country for years and has extensive experience handling various complex working conditions.

In the 2025 nickel mining project in Weda Bay, North Maluku Province, unskilled drivers’ use of the retarder gear caused frequent engine stalls and increased fuel consumption.

Upon receiving the report, Kang immediately travelled from Jakarta to the project site overnight, taking nearly 14 hours by air, sea, and land.

He provided systematic training on hydraulic retarder operation and hands-on guidance inside the vehicles. After several days of training, the drivers’ skills improved significantly, fuel consumption was controlled, and operational safety noticeably increased. The client expressed high satisfaction and subsequently ordered an additional 25 units of the same FAW dump truck model.

According to Kang, such proactive and comprehensive on-site services not only resolve technical issues but also build trust with customers, strengthening the foundation of cooperation.

Yu Changxin believes that the cross-border cooperation between FAW TRUCKS and Indonesian partners has gone beyond mere truck sales and is now evolving towards deeper integration, connected to local culture, and delivering truly grounded services.

“We recruit and train many local employees, including talents in sales, after-sales service, and management. They help us fully understand local market rules, cultural habits, and potential customer needs,” he said.

With the support of the local team, the company has launched various more humane services, such as adjusted service hours and giving souvenirs on major holidays, which have significantly increased customer satisfaction and emotional closeness.

The technical services provided also go beyond driving training and routine maintenance, with added value-added courses such as fuel-efficient driving techniques and smart fleet management.

These efforts helped a local logistics company reduce fuel costs by 15%.