Commercial Vehicle Boss Reveals This Profession Is Most Sought-After, a Key Position

Amid the increasing need for logistics transport in Indonesia, the commercial vehicle industry is facing a new challenge that is no less important than vehicle sales: the availability of competent mechanics. As truck and bus technology develops, companies increasingly require technical personnel capable of handling maintenance and repairs to manufacturer standards. This need continues to grow in line with the rising number of fleets in operation.

However, the industry still faces a gap between the demand for mechanics and graduates who are ready to work, especially because the development of commercial vehicle technology is progressing faster than the learning process in schools.

Pieter Andre, Hino Academy & Customer Service Division Head of PT Hino Motors Sales Indonesia, stated that mechanics have become one of the most important positions in the commercial vehicle business because they are responsible for keeping customer fleets operational.

“If we look at it, Hino has more than 340,000 units operating that are over 10 years old. This is a challenge because many mechanics are needed to perform maintenance, repairs, and overhauls. Mechanics are a key position that we must prepare to have competencies that meet industry needs, so the demand is high,” Pieter said at GIIAS on Monday (3/8/2026).

According to him, the challenge is not only about meeting the number of workers but also ensuring mechanics have the ability to handle the latest technology. This is because today’s commercial vehicles use various systems that are more complex than before.

“Technological developments sometimes outpace education. In vocational high schools, the focus is generally still on light vehicle technology, whereas the industry requires competencies in commercial vehicles, diesel technology, Euro 4, sensors, and electronic systems. That is where the gap appears and needs to be narrowed,” he said.

To reduce this gap, Hino runs the Hino Indonesia Partnership School programme at eight vocational high schools. The programme includes curriculum alignment, teacher training, provision of practice media, and internship opportunities so that graduates are better prepared to enter the workforce.

Pieter said the programme will continue to be expanded because the need for mechanics is expected to keep increasing in line with the growth of Hino’s after-sales service business in various regions.

“Currently, the number of mechanics in the Hino network has exceeded 2,000 people. Before the pandemic, the number was around 800 mechanics. Going forward, this need will continue to grow because the number of operating fleets is also increasing. The existing eight vocational schools are certainly not enough and we will continue to develop them,” he said.