Prabowo Asks Regional Governments to Stop Importing Electric Buses, Must Use Local Buses

JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto has asked regional governments (pemda) to prioritise the purchase of domestically produced electric buses and trucks, as the national electric vehicle industry begins to develop. He even emphasised that they should no longer rely on imported products.

The request was made during the inauguration of VKTR’s commercial electric vehicle assembly facility in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday (9/4/2026). On that occasion, Prabowo also touched on the importance of supporting the national industry.

Prabowo firmly asked his subordinates to note down the regional heads who have not shown commitment in absorbing domestic products.

This step is described as part of the push to accelerate the growth of the national electric vehicle industry.

“Mensekneg, note that down, the governors who do not order domestic products, buses and trucks and so on,” said Prabowo.

According to him, Indonesia now has the capability to produce electric vehicles, particularly in the commercial segment such as buses and trucks. Therefore, domestic market support is seen as key to enabling the industry to develop more quickly.

Prabowo also mentioned that several regions and operators have begun placing orders, such as the Central Java Provincial Government and DKI Jakarta through Transjakarta.

He hopes that this step will be followed by other regions so that the use of national electric vehicles becomes more widespread.