Prabowo Urges TNI to Purchase Locally Made Electric Vehicles
President Prabowo Subianto has urged provincial governments and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to prioritise the purchase of domestically produced electric commercial vehicles as a step to strengthen the national industry while supporting the transition to clean energy.
Domestically produced electric commercial vehicles, including buses and trucks, are intended to bolster the national industry. The statement was made by Prabowo during the inauguration of an electric commercial vehicle assembly plant in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday (9/4/2026).
“We hope that other provincial governments will also support and purchase our own nation’s products across the entire country. The State Secretary will note down the governors who do not order domestic products. Buses, trucks, and so on. The TNI is also instructed to buy domestically,” said Prabowo.
The request comes alongside the increasing production capabilities of electric commercial vehicles in the country, including electric buses and trucks that are beginning to be produced en masse.
The President stated that the national industry, particularly PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas, is now capable of producing up to 10,000 electric bus units with a domestic component level (TKDN) of around 40%. The government targets increasing this figure to 60% within two years and reaching 80% in the subsequent phase.
Prabowo also noted orders for electric vehicles from several regional governments, including the Central Java Provincial Government and the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government through the Transjakarta service.
“So there is already a bus industry, a truck industry, and I thank the Governor of Central Java, who said that the Central Java Regional Government has already ordered dozens of buses. From DKI, there are quite a few as well, Transjakarta,” said the President.
On that occasion, the Head of State appreciated the development of the national commercial vehicle industry, which he assessed as showing a clearer direction for industrial development.
According to Prabowo, the development of electric vehicles is an important part of the national energy transition efforts, particularly in reducing dependence on fossil-based energy and shifting to cleaner energy sources.
“So, the initiative carried out by VKTR, VKTR Industry, is historic, it is a proud milestone. Like the proverb we were taught, when the shoot is desired, the dish arrives,” said Prabowo.
He also hopes that PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas can develop into a leading national company in the commercial vehicle sector, on par with major automotive producers in other countries.
“I hope VKTR will become one of our national champions. If Japan has Isuzu, has Hino, if Korea has Hyundai, Daewoo, I hope in a few years we will see VKTR as one of Indonesia’s champions,” said Prabowo.
During the inauguration, the President was accompanied by State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Main Commissioner of PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Anindya Novyan Bakrie, and Governor of Central Java Ahmad Luthfi.