Chery Continues to Solidify Plans for Independent Plant Construction in Indonesia

KatadataOTO – Chery Sales Indonesia (CSI) appears increasingly serious about realizing its plan to build an independent factory. They are continuing to finalize various preparations.

The brand from China admits that the construction of this production facility is part of their commitment to developing the vehicle market in the country.

“Yes, as per the news we posted, I mentioned that this would be done in stages,” said Budi Darmawan, Vice Country Director of CSI in Bogor, West Java, some time ago.

According to Budi, the construction of the Chery factory is a continuation of the existing cooperation with Handal Indonesia Motor (HIM).

Photo : Courtesy

Although he has not provided detailed information, Budi did not rule out the possibility that the collaboration with Handal could develop further.

“Actually, our current cooperation with Handal is the first step. It will continue to be improved going forward,” Budi continued.

This strengthens the suspicion that Chery wants to acquire Honda's production facility in Pondok Ungu, Bekasi, West Java.

Additionally, with 2025 only a month away, Chery has not yet shown any signs of preparing a new location besides Handal.

“There will be an official press release for that later. Because we are currently preparing the roadmap, I cannot declare it now,” Budi affirmed.

As a reminder, the intention to build an independent factory was first mentioned by Zeng Shuo, President Director of CSI.

He explained that Chery has prepared concrete steps to build its own production facility in Indonesia.

"Our plan is to start (building the independent factory) this year," said Zheng Shuo on a different occasion.

Just like Budi, Zeng Shuo could not yet provide detailed information about the plan. Including the location and the funds that will be disbursed.

"Once it's finalized, I will provide an update. We will realize it in stages," he concluded.

The Chery executive stated that they will gradually evaluate the cooperation with Handal.

Photo : KatadataOTO

Because many things must be considered first. Such as the production capacity of Chery's independent factory once it is operational.

Whether it will be capable of producing all the models sold by Chery or not. Therefore, the collaboration with Handal cannot just stop.

“We will continue to be with Handal. We will likely do it in parallel,” Zeng Shuo concluded his statement.