National Car Issue Resurfaces, Here's the Leak
The discourse on the national car has resurfaced. This time, the signal comes 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 emphasised 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 on the domestic automotive industry’s lag, while reducing dependence on global manufacturers.
More than just a vehicle, the project is directed to become a symbol of technological independence.
“National Car development is not merely an industrial project, but part of efforts to build the nation’s technological independence,” the account stated.
On the other hand, the approach taken is no longer standalone like previous attempts. The government now emphasises the importance of cross-sector collaboration so that the results have a real impact on the economy.
With this model, the national car is expected not only to appear as a product, but also to trigger growth in supporting industries.
“With cross-sector synergy, National Car development is directed to strengthen the national automotive industrial 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 discourse stage.
“BP BUMN supports strategic steps that encourage the strengthening of the national industry, including the acceleration of National Car development,” the BUMN account stated.