New Car Sales Surge Unexpectedly, Manufacturers Worry About Plastic Raw Material Crisis

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The national automotive industry is still overshadowed by the threat of disruptions in plastic raw material supplies amid escalating global geopolitical tensions. Although car sales are beginning to recover, vehicle manufacturers are still grappling with supply chain risks.

National car sales in April 2026 showed a significant increase. GAIKINDO data recorded wholesales at 80,776 units, up 55% year-on-year.

However, behind this recovery, automotive producers still face challenges in the component supply sector. One of them relates to plastic raw materials used in the vehicle manufacturing industry.

GAIKINDO General Secretary Kukuh Kumara said the supply situation has not yet fully normalised. The industry is still utilising stocks held by each supplier.

“There might be suppliers that still have stocks,” said Kukuh to CNBC Indonesia on Monday (11/5/2026).

The situation ahead very much depends on global geopolitical developments. The industry hopes that international tensions will soon subside so that the supply chain returns to normal.

“Hopefully this geopolitics is resolved soon and then the supply returns to normal,” he said.

To anticipate supply disruptions, many automotive producers are starting to implement multi-sourcing strategies. Companies are seeking alternative vendors so that vehicle production is not disrupted.

In addition to seeking alternative suppliers, several companies are also still relying on reserve raw material stocks. However, the endurance of stocks varies for each company depending on their respective capacities.

“Multi-sourcing and still having stocks, yes,” he said.

Kukuh estimates that on average, companies have a buffer stock of around two to three months. However, that condition still depends on production volume and the needs of each manufacturer.

“Usually they have a buffer of about 2-3 months, but it depends on the stock level of each company,” said Kukuh.