Indonesia will begin mass production of its national car within 3 years, according to President Prabowo Subianto.
THE NEXT STEP
According to Indonesian news outlet Tempo, the mass production of Indonesia’s national car will become a national strategic project (PSN). This announcement was made by the country’s Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita.
“We have already signed the proposal. If it becomes a PSN, I think the realization will be faster,” he said. Once the proposal is approved, the government can start thoroughly preparing for production. “So, the PSN status is what we are fighting for. We have proposed it on Thursday.”
President Prabowo told the press during his plenary cabinet meeting that a budget and land have been set aside for factories. “I’ve already allocated the budget and prepared the land for the factories. The team is now working on it,” he explained.
THE i2C AND MAUNG
Sources did not clearly indicate which locally-produced car will be the centrepiece of the PSN. There are two options at the moment – the i2C or the Maung.
The Indonesian Indigenous Car (i2C) was previewed at the GAIKINDO International Auto Show earlier in July. The model is a three-row fully electric SUV, designed by PT Teknologi Militer Indonesia and Italdesign. Its appearance resembles that of the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Kona.
According to PaulTan.org, the production of the i2C will likely employ the help of a foreign partner for its platform and technology. Production is slated to start around the latter half of 2027 or the first half of 2028, aligning with President Prabowo’s three-year announcement .
During his cabinet meeting, President Prabowo also provided information on his team’s current progress. “We have already produced Indonesian-made jeeps,” he said. “Your President is using Indonesian-made jeeps.”
The jeep President Prabowo referred to is the civilian version of the Maung, a homegrown 4×4 military vehicle. Last year, President Prabowo mandated government officials to use the Maung in a written statement.
“I have planned that most likely, all ministers, all vice ministers, director generals, and officials at the level of governors, regents, and mayors should use vehicles made by our own nation,” he wrote. According to the President, the Maung represents “honour and pride” for Indonesia’s own auto production.
The Maung’s manufacturer, PT Pindad, is the final key to mass production of the Maung.
“This year, the budget is prepared, but the production capacity isn’t ready, so the funds were returned,” Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said on the subject. “We support the project. Once Pindad is ready, we’ll release the funds.”
Did you find this article interesting? Click the ‘heart’ button above to give it a ‘like.’
