Global Fuel Crisis Buzz: Its Impact on Indonesia's Electric Motorcycle Sales
The buzz surrounding the global energy crisis and rising fuel prices in several countries has not yet significantly impacted public interest in purchasing electric motorcycles. Industry players are still awaiting a more opportune moment to observe changes in consumer behaviour.
Budi Setiyadi, Chairman of the Indonesian Electric Motorcycle Industry Association (AISMOLI), believes the timing of the issue’s emergence is less than ideal, as it coincides with the Eid al-Fitr period, when people’s focus leans more towards holiday consumption needs.
“This fuss about expensive petrol has only been going on for about two weeks. And it happens to coincide with Eid, when people are focused on consumption for that,” Budi told CNBC Indonesia on Thursday (26/3/2026).
This situation makes evaluating the impact on electric vehicle sales less relevant if conducted in the near term. People’s shopping activities do not fully reflect normal conditions.
“Perhaps after some time, after next week, we can see the evaluation. Because this week is not effective for assessing changes in public behaviour,” he said.
Budi emphasised that there is no strong push yet making the public switch from fuel-powered motorcycles to electric ones. This is also influenced by the absence of a government policy on fuel price increases.
“In my opinion, there might be an effect, but it’s not significant. Because right now, there’s no major issue on fuel price hikes that’s the main concern,” he revealed.
The issues circulating in society previously were more related to the source of fuel supply, not scarcity or price increases.
“What was buzzing recently was about fuel from Singapore or Malaysia, not about price hikes or shortages. So the impact on consumption isn’t big,” Budi explained.
In his view, the public’s psychological factors regarding fuel prices remain relatively stable. This makes the push to switch to electric vehicles not yet an urgent need.
On the other hand, the government is reportedly promoting a large-scale electric motorcycle conversion programme. However, its implementation is still awaiting clearer policy direction and more concrete targets.
Budi also revealed that he is scheduled to present the industry’s readiness before the National Economic Council in the near future.
“If the government really makes a conversion policy later, we are asked to present the electric motorcycle industry’s readiness,” he said.
According to him, a more accurate evaluation can only be done after public activities return to normal post-Eid.
“So we’ll see next week or after. Whether there really is a shift in interest or not,” he concluded.