Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inspecting the Electric Vehicle Exhibition of Periklindo (Indonesian Electric Vehicle Industry Association), at the Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta, May 3, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, I see that this electric vehicle exhibition is very good. Motorbikes still dominate here, followed by cars. There are also electric buses, electric trucks, and every kind of electric vehicles. And, let’s think about our motorized vehicles. For example, our production capacity of electric motorbikes reaches 1.6 million units per year. Now we can only produce around 100 thousand units per year. It means that we still have a huge opportunity.

Journalists

Sir, what about the ecosystem for electric vehicles …

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Then, secondly, next month our battery factories will start production, so we hope that the ecosystem will soon be built and formed. And also, we are happy that now there are already 59 manufacturers that produce electric motorbikes here in Indonesia. Then, there are already five electric car manufacturers, the sixth one will soon follow. There is also one electric bus manufacturer and one electric truck manufacturer. We really have to protect this big electric vehicle ecosystem and avoid any obstacles. I think that’s the goal.

Journalists

With regard to technology experts, sir, many of our human resources also have expertise in vehicle assembly.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Let’s discuss the issues one by one. With regard to local content requirements (TKDN), I have seen earlier that our cars have fulfilled over 40 percent of the local content requirements. This is good, but it takes time to fulfill all the requirements. We have just started to impose the requirements for a medium term, then for a long term. Don’t ask for 80 percent or 70 percent fulfillment right away, but this has already started, so that when the electric battery industry is already built, followed by the completion of electric car factories, electric motorbike factories, electric bus factories, the ecosystem for electric vehicles will soon be formed. We want to show our competitiveness and we are indeed ready to compete in the global arena.

Journalists

Sir, can we ask about another issue, sir? With regard to the performance of the U-23 National Team (the Indonesian junior soccer team) last night, what’s your comment?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Wow, they were very good, very spirited.

Journalists

What’s your hope, sir, for the match against Guinea?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, basically, if you ask me about my hope, I hope they will definitely win. We must be optimistic they will win. There are no other options.

Journalists

What about the incentive for hybrid cars, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It is still being discussed with the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and the Minister of Industry, has not been decided yet.

Journalists

Sir, Prabowo (the president-elect) is planning to create a Presidential Club, as a means of communication between Pak Prabowo and the (former) presidents.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, good, good.

Journalists

What’s your opinion, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Good, good.

Journalists

If the club has really been established, for example, will the club be scheduled to hold a meeting once a week or anything else, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Wdodo)

I think once every two days is okay.

Journalists

Mas Gibran (the vice president-elect) said he would ask for support and suggestions for forming the cabinet.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Forming the cabinet is 100 percent the president’s prerogative. Offering suggestions is okay but the president-elect has the full right to decide.

Journalists

So what if he asks Mrs. Mega (the former president) for her advice?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It’s okay to ask for advice, but anyone is not allowed to interfere without first being asked to.

(TM/MMB)