Discussions on National Car (Mobnas) Project Resurface, Here Are the Leaks

Discussions on the national car (Mobnas) have resurfaced. This time, the signals come from a meeting of BP BUMN officials who have begun discussing the direction to accelerate the project. BP BUMN Deputy Head Tedi Bharata met with BPI Danantara CTO and PT Pindad President Director Sigit P. Santosa at Wisma Danantara Indonesia this morning, Thursday (16/4/2025). This meeting serves as one indication that the national car project is back on the government’s serious radar. In its official statement, BP BUMN affirmed its support for the agenda. “BP BUMN supports the acceleration of National Car development as a strategic step towards technological independence and strengthening the national economy,” it stated, as quoted from @bumn_id. The re-emergence of this issue is not without reason. The national car is viewed as an important instrument to catch up with the domestic automotive industry while reducing dependence on global manufacturers. More than just a vehicle, the project is directed to become a symbol of technological independence. “The development of the National Car is not merely an industrial project, but part of efforts to build the nation’s technological independence,” the account wrote. On the other hand, the approach taken is no longer standalone like previous attempts. The government now emphasises the importance of cross-sector collaboration to ensure tangible economic impacts. With this model, the national car is expected not only to appear as a product but also to trigger growth in supporting industries. “Through cross-sector synergy, National Car development is directed to strengthen the national automotive industry ecosystem, create jobs, encourage innovation by the nation’s children, and increase national economic value added.” BP BUMN also affirmed its role in guiding industrial transformation so that this project does not stop at the discussion stage. “BP BUMN supports strategic steps that drive the strengthening of the national industry, including the acceleration of National Car development,” the BUMN account wrote.