Tanggerang, Banten (ANTARA News) - Local investors are ready to support the mass production of Indonesia`s national car, the Esemka, if the project does not receive the central government`s assistance.

"If the central government does not provide any support to the project, we have already found some local private investors," said Solo Mayor Joko Widodo here on Monday while conducting the emission test for the national car made by Solo vocational students.

Joko, who is also known as Jokowi, said that the Esemka car is a product of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME`s), and the production is still very limited.

Jokowi claimed that they are targeting at least 200 units per month, despite the huge consumer demand that has already passed 6,000 units.

"If we pass this emission test, then we immediately prepare the infrastructure, including the company, for the production process," he said.

However, Jokowi is still hoping that the central government can provide assistance, considering the car is a domestic product.

"We will continue coordinating with the central government to promote and expand this car," he said.

Asked about production for overseas consumption, Jokowi insists as of now, they are only focusing on domestic production because the car has yet to go through the emission test so it can be used on the road.

The Esemka is currently undergoing a six-hour cooling process before it goes through the Euro 2 emission test that will be conducted at the Thermodynamics and Propulsion Motor Center (BTMP) Serpong.

The Director of the Technology Assessment and Application Agency at the Center for Industry Technology and Transportation System at the Thermodynamics and Propulsion Motor Center Prawoto, said that three tests and supervisors are being readied for the emission testing process.

The Emission test is part of one of the requirements for new vehicles before they can be mass produced and prove themselves roadworthy.

The is aimed to ensure that the emission generated from the vehicle is safe and it is environmentally-friendly.

"The emission will be collected and tested after it was generated from a road trip; it will pass the test if can reach a certain level," Jokowi concluded.
(Uu.A050/INE/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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