To Japan, The Minister Of Industry Disbursed 3 Automotive Companies Committing To Increase Indonesian Exports

Minister of Industry (Menperin) Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said, as many as three automotive companies from Japan are committed to increasing exports of motorized vehicles produced in Indonesia.

There were three companies met by Minister of Industry Agus during the visit to Japan, namely Fuso, Daihatsu, and Isuzu, which welcomed the expectations of the Indonesian Government to increase exports, both through increasing volume and export destination countries, from their factories in Indonesia.

"In a meeting with the principals of the automotive industry in Japan, we are pushing for an increase in exports from Fuso, Daihatsu, and Isuzu," said Minister of Industry Agus in a press release, quoted Friday, June 9.

The Minister of Industry asked Fuso factories in Indonesia to be able to explore the export market, especially to ASEAN countries and Australia. Fuso himself managed to sell commercial vehicles in the amount of 1.2 million units to ASEAN and 303,741 units to Australia.

"By paying attention to Indonesia's geographical location, we view Fuso's exports to Australia will be more profitable if it is done from Indonesia than from Japan," he said.

Agus also hopes that Fuso can increase the use of domestic components at assembly, as well as increase the product line and type of vehicle produced in Indonesia.

The government also encourages automotive industry players from Japan to increase the content of local products, both in the form of spare parts and components in the manufacturing process.

Currently, Fuso has started Proof of Concept (PoC) in Indonesia with the aim of introducing electric trucks to Indonesia in the future. "This further increases the opportunity for commercial vehicle production with electrification technology in Indonesia to fill the export market," said Agus.

Then, during a meeting with Daihatsu Motor, Agus hoped for the support of the automotive company to increase the export market. Through PT Astra Daihatsu Motor, the company has succeeded in exporting to 77 countries with a total volume of 160,000 units throughout 2022.

In May 2023, Daihatsu Indonesia has also reached a milestone produced by eight million motorized vehicles, with 17 percent or around 1.34 million units of which are products that have been exported globally.

"The Indonesian government expects Daihatsu's support to increase the export market, both in terms of the number and type of vehicle, as well as export destination countries," he said.

In Indonesia, Daihatsu also increased investment by IDR 2.9 trillion for the construction of new factories in order to increase their productivity.

"We also encourage Daihatsu to take part in the development of electrified vehicles (xEVs), especially to support the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in Indonesia. This country is a potential market for Daihatsu and the opportunity to make Indonesia a wide open EV production and export hub," said Agus.

Furthermore, in a meeting with Isuzu Motors Ltd., Minister of Industry Agus appreciated the performance of the company which has been able to export Indonesian-produced Traga commercial vehicles to other countries, such as the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, as well as the Middle East.

With factory utilization reaching 85 percent, Indonesia's Isuzu production in 2022 will reach 44,694 units or 15 percent of total Isuzu production worldwide. Starting in 2024, Isuzu will also produce UD Trucks in Karawang which is the transfer of production base from Thailand.

With this, Minister of Industry Agus hopes that the increase in Indonesia's Isuzu production capacity can be optimized to expand the export market, including to countries in Africa.

This was also welcomed by Isuzu who also believes that the African market has extraordinary potential. Therefore, Isuzu will pursue production volume in Indonesia as well as increase marketing assessment in Africa. The car manufacturer also continues to increase its exports to 150 countries.