Conversion Deemed Complicated, Electric Motorcycle Trade-In More Realistic

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The government intends to convert millions of petrol-powered motorcycles to electric ones through a conversion pathway.

Spokesperson for KOSMIK (Indonesian Electric Motorcycle Community), Hendro Sutono, assesses that conversion is not the most effective solution for large-scale implementation.

Conceptually, converting petrol motorcycles to electric sounds appealing. However, the process is not simple as it requires changes to the vehicle’s main components.

Various electric motorcycle brands currently offer a range of models that can be purchased like conventional motorcycles.

“The after-sales ecosystem is developing; what is lacking is real and structured incentives for consumers to switch,” Hendro told Kompas.com on Friday (3/4/2026).

According to him, a more realistic solution might be to introduce a trade-in programme for old motorcycles with new electric ones.

“The scheme does not need to be complicated. Consumers bring their old petrol motorcycle to an official dealer, surrender it as part of the payment for a new electric motorcycle, and receive a discount or subsidy for the difference,” said Hendro.

“The used petrol motorcycle is then not resold to the market but enters an official recycling pathway. Its components are sorted by type, metals are melted and reprocessed, and non-recyclable materials are managed according to environmental standards,” he added.

According to Hendro, this phenomenon can even be likened to the classic “Ship of Theseus” paradox.

If a ship is replaced part by part until no original components remain, is it still the same ship?

“One transaction, two results at once. The population of petrol motorcycles decreases in a real and permanent way, not on paper, not assuming that converted motorcycles will not break down on the road six months later,” said Hendro.

He added that this scheme also provides benefits to various parties, from consumers to the government.

“Consumers get reliable new vehicles. The government gets measurable emission reductions. The domestic electric motorcycle industry gets a significant boost in demand,” said Hendro.