Import of Pick-up Trucks from India Not Discussed in DPR, Democrats Support Postponement

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Secretary-General of the Democratic Party, Herman Khaeron, supports the postponement of the planned import of vehicles from India for the Desa Merah Putih Cooperative (Kopdes) because the procurement plan was never detailed to the DPR.

The member of Commission VI of the DPR RI stated that PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara had attended several hearings in Commission VI regarding the Desa Merah Putih Cooperative, including the allocation of a budget of IDR 3 billion per village, but never discussed the procurement of vehicles, let alone the import.

“(Agrinas) never mentioned what type of transportation would be used and what the qualifications would be. Then, we found out from the media that there was an import from India of 35,000 vehicles of each type, totaling 105,000 vehicles, with a budget of IDR 24.66 trillion,” said Herman at the DPR RI Building, Thursday (27/2/2026).

This is important to do in order to fulfill the principles of transparency and state financial accountability.

“This is a very large budget, it should have been discussed first in the DPR and to fulfill the principles of transparency and state financial accountability, it should also be open to the public,” he said.

Herman emphasized that the procurement of cooperative facilities should be in line with the main objective of accelerating the formation of the Desa Merah Putih Cooperative, namely strengthening business activities in villages and improving the regional economy.

“If there is procurement carried out by Agrinas Pangan Nusantara, the procurement of 105,000 vehicles, I agree with Mr. Dasco to stop it first until there is a decision from the government that ensures that this can be carried out,” he said.

In addition to the issue of transparency, Herman also highlighted the economic impact of the import policy.

Herman believes that procuring vehicles locally would boost the stagnant automotive sales and create added value for the national economy.

“We have many cars that are currently stagnant, car sales are stagnant, if there is a program that can increase sales, this will also increase economic activity, there is added value,” said Herman.

He also questioned the readiness of after-sales service for imported vehicles, especially if the vehicles are distributed to remote villages.