IndonesianTalk.com — Ismeth Wibowo Welcomes Indonesia’s National Electric Motorcycle Launch, Backs Prabowo’s Automotive Industry Vision
JAKARTA – Ismeth Wibowo, Commissioner of PT Sunra Asia Pacific Hi-Tech, has welcomed President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to unveil Indonesia’s first nationally developed electric motorcycle in the coming weeks, describing the initiative as a milestone for the country’s automotive industry and its transition toward cleaner transportation.
“The launch of an Indonesian-made electric motorcycle is a positive step forward. I fully welcome President Prabowo’s initiative to introduce a national electric motorcycle in the near future,” Ismeth said.
His remarks came after President Prabowo announced the upcoming launch during a military harvest event at Abdulrachman Saleh Air Force Base in Malang, East Java, on Friday.
“Very soon, we will have our own national motorcycle. In the coming weeks, I will launch Indonesia’s national electric motorcycle,” the President said.
Prabowo expressed hope that the vehicle would be widely adopted across the country, particularly by farmers, as an affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
“I hope our farmers will eventually ride electric motorcycles. Perhaps one day they will all be driving cars as well,” he said.
The President also shared his optimism about improving rural prosperity, noting that some farmers had informed him they were now able to enjoy overseas holidays thanks to stronger incomes.
“One farmer told me he is currently on holiday in Hong Kong. That makes me happy,” Prabowo said.
Beyond the electric motorcycle project, Prabowo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a domestically manufactured national car as part of a broader industrial strategy.
According to the President, Indonesia must have the confidence to prioritize locally made products, even if production costs remain higher than imported alternatives during the industry’s early stages.
“We will have motorcycles made by Indonesians, and we will have cars made by Indonesians,” he said.
Prabowo recalled his experience as defense minister when he had to choose between imported tactical vehicles, which were less expensive, and the domestically produced Maung vehicle, which carried a higher price tag because the local industry was still in its infancy.
“The imported vehicle was cheaper, while the Indonesian-made one was more expensive because it was just starting out,” he said.
Despite the higher cost, Prabowo chose the locally manufactured vehicle, arguing that supporting domestic production was essential for building a competitive national industry.
“I chose the Indonesian-made Maung. If we always choose the cheaper imported option, when will we ever develop our own products?” he said.
Ismeth said the government’s commitment to developing a national electric motorcycle demonstrates a long-term vision for strengthening Indonesia’s manufacturing base and enhancing the competitiveness of its automotive sector.
He added that expanding the domestic electric vehicle ecosystem would not only accelerate technological innovation but also reduce dependence on imported products while creating new opportunities for investment, employment and industrial growth.
Prabowo concluded by expressing confidence that Indonesia possesses the resources, industrial capability and human talent necessary to produce globally competitive strategic products.
“We remain optimistic. We should set our ambitions as high as the sky. Indonesia will become a prosperous nation,” the President said.
- source: https://www.hariankami.com/kami-milenial/23617387936/ismeth-wibowo-sambut-peluncuran-motor-listrik-nasional-dukung-langkah-prabowo-bangun-industri-otomotif-indonesia
