The Story of Autotama Workshop: From Minimal Capital to the Largest in Karangasem

The Astra Media Tour 2026 served as a significant moment to introduce the success story of Autotama Workshop, located in Karangasem Regency, Bali, to a wider audience. Held on 4-5 June 2026, the event allowed the media to observe firsthand the workshop’s work processes, service standards, and management systems. Beyond mere publicity, the initiative aimed to share best practices to inspire other MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) to achieve professional growth.

Astra aims to demonstrate that its MSME development programmes are not merely corporate social responsibility activities, but long-term investments in human resource development and the strengthening of the local economy. By expanding information reach and increasing public trust, the programme hopes to motivate more MSMEs to grow and encourage more stakeholders to participate in creating a healthy, independent, and highly competitive business ecosystem.

The founder of Autotama, I Wayan Sutama, began the business from a hobby of repairing family vehicles. With limited capital, he initially offered only car washing and oil change services with just four employees. Through hard work, a passion for learning, transparency, service quality, and honesty, Autotama has evolved into the largest and most complete workshop in Karangasem, now employing a total of 50 staff.

Autotama’s current success is also inseparable from the coaching provided by the Astra Foundation since 2010. Since then, the workshop’s management has moved beyond technical aspects to incorporate professional management systems, including standard operating procedures (S_OPs), customer service, and financial management.

Rahmat Handoyo, Dept. Head of Marketing & Communication at the Astra Foundation (YDBA), stated that the foundation provides more than just training; they offer comprehensive mentoring to ensure all mentored MSMEs continue to develop their service quality. “We do not merely provide training, but also assist MSMEs in accessing financing, marketing, and strengthening basic entrepreneurial mentalities,” said Rahmat Handoyo.

Currently, Autotama Workshop serves various four-wheel vehicle needs, ranging from routine maintenance to body repairs. Based on 2025 data, the workshop serves more than 760 customers per month across three branches: Jasri, Padangkerta, and Candidasa. Most customers include local Karangasem residents, business owners, and tourists requiring emergency vehicle services. This trust continues to grow alongside service quality improvements, even extending to informal collaborations with government agencies for the repair of official vehicles.

It is hoped that the success story of Autotama Workshop can inspire the younger generation to start businesses, emphasizing that even with minimal capital, success is possible through confidence and a commitment to quality. “No business is too small to start, as long as we are willing to learn and remain consistent,” added Rahmat Handoyo.

I Wayan Sutama expressed his pride in being selected for the Astra event, noting that this was the first time Astra held an event at Autotama. “I did not expect this; it is a source of pride and recognition from Astra for us as a mentored MSME in Bali,” said Sutama. He also noted that since becoming an Astra-mentored MSME, significant progress has been made in service quality, equipment, and employee skills.