Domestic Pickup Production Can Meet Demand, Says Gaikindo Amid Import Scrutiny
Indonesia’s Association of Automotive Manufacturers (Gaikindo) has asserted that the domestic industry possesses the capacity and capability to meet the nation’s commercial vehicle requirements, including pickup trucks.
Since its establishment in 1969, Gaikindo, together with its members and government support, has progressively developed Indonesia’s automotive industry. The industry has continuously adapted to societal demands for four-wheeled and larger vehicles, including the commercial segment.
The experience of developing commercial vehicle platforms that were subsequently converted into multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) exemplifies this. Initially developed in collaboration with the automotive body manufacturing industry, such models are now produced in full and have become the primary mobility choice for consumers, not only in Indonesia but also across Southeast Asia.
Gaikindo stated that a similar approach is being applied to pickup truck development. The industry claims to possess deep understanding of the needs of domestic business operators.
Gaikindo’s daily chairman and conference organiser chairman, Anton Kumontoy, stated that the organisation has conducted various studies to align commercial vehicle platforms with real-world operational needs. They claim to possess the knowledge, capability, and production capacity to accommodate all domestic demand.
“We have the knowledge to manufacture vehicle types that meet requirements. Additionally, we also possess the capability and production capacity to accommodate all commercial vehicle needs within the country,” Anton stated in an official statement received by Republika on Friday (27/2/2026).
Currently, he noted, seven Gaikindo members produce pickups: PT Suzuki Indomobil Motor, PT Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia, PT Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motor, PT SGMW Motor Indonesia (Wuling Motors), PT Sokonindo Automobile (DFSK), PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia, and PT Astra Daihatsu Motor.
In total, national pickup production capacity exceeds 400,000 units annually. Should domestic demand be entirely fulfilled by domestic production, the impact would be considered significant for the industrial ecosystem from upstream to downstream sectors.
A single vehicle comprises over 20,000 components. These components are manufactured by thousands of companies, including small and medium enterprises, and involve approximately 1.5 million workers throughout the supply chain.
Although Gaikindo did not explicitly mention imports of pickups for Koperasi Merah Putih operations from India, this latest media statement from Gaikindo appears to target that issue. Previously, both Gaikindo and Kadin expressed concern because PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara chose to import pickups from Indian manufacturers Mahindra and Tata Motors, valued at Rp24.66 trillion. Gaikindo had asserted that domestic producers were prepared to cooperate in supplying pickups to meet PT Agrinas’s specifications.
Agrinas’s policy has drawn scrutiny from many quarters, as the domestic market offers diverse locally-produced pickup options. Deputy Chair of Commission VII of the People’s Consultative Assembly (DPR RI), Evita Nursanty, emphasised the importance of transparency in determining technical specifications, particularly if procurement is directed towards four-wheel-drive (4x4) types.
According to her, not all Indonesian regions require 4x4 vehicles. The majority of rural logistics distribution can still be served by 4x2 vehicles produced domestically.
Evita also reminded stakeholders of provisions in Law Number 3 of 2014 and Presidential Regulation Number 46 of 2025. Under these regulations, ministries and institutions are required to prioritise domestic products subject to a minimum local content level (TKDN), whilst imports are only permitted if domestic products are unavailable or if capacity is insufficient.