Observer: National vehicle realisation requires thorough preparation

Automotive expert from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) Yannes Martinus Pasaribu has said that Indonesia needs thorough preparation with a medium- to long-term vision in realising the plan to develop national motorcycles and cars by 2028.

“Because the 2028 deadline is very close, the preparation must be sharp and well-programmed with a medium- to long-term vision,” Yannes said when contacted from Jakarta on Friday.

In addition, he said, acceleration of charging infrastructure and technical standardisation to build the market is also needed.

According to him, the most crucial support lies in mastering the entire supply chain ecosystem, especially in the production of core components and high-technology components domestically with the greatest possible industrial ownership within the country.

Coupled with research synergy and appropriate financing schemes, he believes the 2028 target will not only produce products but become the foundation for creating economic turnover that strengthens the sustainability of national industrial independence.

“Furthermore, there is a need for certainty of anchor market support from all levels of government, from central to regional, the TNI and Polri, to absorb production until this industry is truly able to grow strongly in facing competition in the domestic free market and is ready for export,” he concluded.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto said he would accelerate the electrification process of public mobility in delivering the Government’s Introductory Statement on the Bill on the 2027 State Budget along with its Financial Note in Jakarta on Friday.

In addition, he also announced that he would provide incentives for one million electric motorcycles produced domestically by Indonesian entrepreneurs.

“This policy has three objectives at once: lowering vehicle costs for the people, reducing imported fuel consumption, and growing the national electric motorcycle industry along with its supply chain of batteries, components, software, and after-sales services. This incentive is an investment to make the Indonesian people the first market for the works of Indonesian children,” he said.

According to him, the presence of Indonesian-made electric motorcycles on the roads represents three victories at once: savings for families, reduction of energy imports, and jobs for the nation’s children.