Target of 120 Million Converted Motorcycles: Grand Ambition vs Workshop Reality

The Indonesian government has a grand vision to convert 120 million petrol motorcycles to electric motorcycles. However, this fantastical figure is deemed disproportionate to the readiness of supporting infrastructure, particularly the availability of certified conversion workshops in the field. Based on data from relevant ministries, the realisation of the conversion programme throughout 2023 up to early 2024 remains unachieved. From a target of 50,000 units in 2023, the number of motorcycles converted and obtaining new documents is reported to be less than 1,000 units. “We’re talking about 120 million units, to be converted by how many workshops? If those registered yesterday were around 30,” said Ibeng to Kompas.com on Thursday (9/4/2026). The issue is not just the small number, but also the business sustainability of those workshops. Ibeng noted that many workshops that were initially enthusiastic about pursuing certification at the start of the programme are now choosing to cease operations due to minimal orders. For workshop owners, conversion is a business matter. When the ecosystem is not formed and interest is low, maintaining the licence and operations becomes a burden disproportionate to the income. “The 120 million motorcycle conversion project, in my opinion, (is difficult) unless the government implements another certification programme for workshop professions,” said Ibeng. Technically, many mechanics in Indonesia have the capability to assemble electric motorcycles. However, skill alone is not enough if not accompanied by official legality to change vehicle administration (BPKB and STNK) to blue plates. “If we’re talking about skills, there are definitely many who can. But will the government implement a workshop certification programme? That requires resources, big ones at that,” said Ibeng. Without official certification, small workshops cannot help consumers with administrative changes. This makes the conversion pathway deadlocked for the general public who want road legality.