ICMS Holds Dialogue At GIIAS, Discusses Commercial Vehicle Strategy In Supporting MSME Development

Discussion of the Indonesia Center for Mobility Studies (ICMS) at GIIAS 2025. (Photo: ICMS)

TANGERANG - Indonesia Center for Mobility Studies (ICMS) again held its third national automotive industry dialogue, this time discussing the strategic role of the commercial vehicle industry, including electric vehicles, in supporting the development of MSMEs and facing increasingly urgent operational cost efficiency pressures.

In the midst of a global economic slowdown that threatens the stability of the national economy, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have returned to the backbone that maintains Indonesia's economic resilience. In fact, it absorbs almost 97 percent of the national workforce and contributes more than 60 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In this discussion, the theme of 'MSMEs In The Middle of Badai: Keeping the People's Economy During the Global Economic Slowdown' was attended by automotive industry players, and MSME players represented by Cing Hok Rifin, Director of Sales of PT Sokoindo Autombile, as the Agent of DFSK Brand Holder in Indonesia, Hermawati Setyorinny, Chairman of the Indonesian MSME Association (AKUMANDIRI).

Not to forget General Manager of the Explora Delima Mandiri Karoseri, Albertus Whitney, discussed the important role of electric vehicle innovation as a solution to face operational cost efficiency challenges, as well as support a sustainable development agenda.

In this dialogue event, DFSK expressed its belief that economic recovery should start from strengthening the real sector that touches the community directly. Through efficient and reliable commercial vehicle products, DFSK seeks to make a concrete contribution to MSMEs to survive and grow in the midst of global economic challenges.

"We see that the role of MSMEs is very strategic in maintaining the wheels of the economy. Therefore, DFSK presents a selection solution for commercial vehicles that is not only efficient operationally, but also in line with the vision of environmental sustainability," said Cing Hok Rifin, during the presentation, at ICE BSD, Tangerang.

On the same occasion, the General Chairperson of the Indonesia Center for Mobility Studies (ICMS), Munawar Chalil, emphasized the importance of the automotive industry's participation in building a strong MSME ecosystem.

"MSMEs have a strategic role in the national economy, but to develop sustainably, they need real support from various sectors, including the automotive industry. Collaboration in providing reliable, efficient, environmentally friendly, and affordable commercial vehicles is a concrete step to build MSME-based businesses that are solid and able to survive global challenges," he said.

In addition, the General Chairperson of the Indonesian MSME Association (AKUMANDIRI), also emphasized the importance of concrete steps to increase the capacity and competitiveness of MSMEs in the midst of a slowdown in the economy. MSMEs have always been the spearhead in maintaining people's economic stability, but at times like this, concrete initiatives are needed to increase productivity, cost efficiency, and access to technology.

"We see that synergy with the automotive sector, especially through the use of efficient and environmentally friendly electric vehicles, is the key in increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs in the future. In addition, business management training, easy access to financing, and supporting infrastructure must also continue to be strengthened," concluded Hermawati.