"I'd like to express my appreciation to the automotive industry in Indonesia, which has been able to increase exports. That big potential should be used to be able to compete with other countries," he said while attending the 2024 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) here on Thursday.
However, he noted, Indonesia's automotive industry exports are still below Thailand's.
As per a statement issued by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs on Thursday, the national automotive industry sold 1,005,802 units of vehicles with four or more wheels in 2023.
According to the Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers Association (Gaikindo), the exports of Indonesian-manufactured cars reached 505,134 units in 2023, up 6.7 percent compared to 473,602 units the previous year.
Gaikindo further said that in 2023, domestic sales of electric cars reached 17,147 units, while exports of electric cars were pegged at 1,504 units. Meanwhile, hybrid car sales reached 54,656 units in 2023, while hybrid car exports reached 27,710 units.
"We want to boost more so that the exports can be even higher and increase every year," Hartarto said.
Regarding the 2024 IIMS, the minister said that the event has provided an exclusive space to automotive industry players to innovate and showcase their flagship products.
"Hopefully, this event will run smoothly and encourage the Indonesian automotive industry to be more proactive and progressive in creating innovative products by prioritizing local products," he added.
The IIMS is being held at Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta, from February 15 to 25, 2024, with the theme "Your Infinite Autotainment Experience."
The expo is featuring 53 vehicle brands and 188 participants. With a total transaction target of Rp5.3 trillion (around US$339.6 million), the expo is expected to attract 460 thousand visitors.
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Translator: Uyu Septiyati, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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