Airlangga Claims Foreign Manufacturers Interested in National Car Project

KatadataOTO – The Indonesian government is finalizing the national car project. The latest news has come from this initiative.

One of President Prabowo Subianto's ministers stated that the national car project is still ongoing. And is in collaboration with Pindad.

"The national car is proceeding with Pindad as the base," said Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs at ICE BSD, Tangerang, on Wednesday (26/11).

Nevertheless, the national car project has captured the attention of many parties. Making them interested in taking part.

Photo: KatadataOTO

It is claimed that many international brands are starting to eye cooperation opportunities with the Indonesian government.

Airlangga even said that a number of brands have offered to get involved. However, he could not provide details.

According to President Prabowo's aide, the exploration process is still ongoing. Therefore, he could not disclose it yet.

Airlangga confirmed that the official announcement will be made directly by the relevant parties to maintain the accuracy and transparency of the information.

"Yes, let them (the manufacturers) be the ones to announce it," Airlangga affirmed.

For your information, Hyundai Indonesia has reportedly submitted a proposal for a 7-seater electric vehicle concept model to be made into the national car.

When confirmed, the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) was still reluctant to provide further details regarding Hyundai's involvement in the National Strategic Project (PSN).

"Regarding that, please ask Hyundai,” said Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Minister of Industry, on a separate occasion.

Hyundai itself has quite significant prospects thanks to its complete ecosystem in Indonesia. Ranging from a vehicle assembly plant to a battery factory.

However, the Minister of Industry emphasized that the entity currently included in the PSN as the national car is Pindad, the tactical vehicle manufacturer that supplies the presidential four-wheeled vehicle, the Garuda MV3.

The one appointed by the government to be the national car PSN is Pindad. As for Pindad's strategy, I already have an idea,” the Minister of Industry concluded.

But he stressed that certainty regarding the involvement of any brand in the national car project should be disclosed by each manufacturer.