How Important is the Bekasi Proving Ground for the Automotive Industry?

Indonesia now has a proving ground as a vehicle testing facility located at the Balai Pengujian Laik Jalan dan Sertifikasi Kendaraan Bermotor (BPLJSKB) in Cibitung, Bekasi, West Java. Spanning 90 hectares, the BPLJSKB proving ground provides a variety of testing facilities for conventional and electrified vehicles, both cars and motorcycles. So, what is the importance of this proving ground for the national automotive industry? Answering that question, BPLJSKB Head Iman Sukandar said the main function of this facility is to support driving safety. “In terms of supporting the independence of the national automotive industry, with this facility, testing processes can be carried out in Indonesia to national or international standards. The national automotive industry no longer has to rely too much on overseas testing facilities,” Iman told KOMPAS.com during a visit to BPLJSKB a few days ago. Thus, Iman continued, the existence of the BPLJSKB proving ground can also accelerate the certification process, improve cost efficiency and industry competitiveness, attract investors, and become a national centre for automotive research and innovation. Iman said that besides having complete facilities, the BPLJSKB proving ground under the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) also uses a combination of national and international standards. For international standards, testing refers to UN Regulations that are widely applied in various countries. When asked about comparisons with proving grounds in other countries, Iman explained that the current facility is the most complete in Southeast Asia.