Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Inspection at the 2023 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS), JIExpo Convention Center and Theater, DKI Jakarta Province, February 16, 2023
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
First of all, I am pleased that in 2022 a total of 1,041 million cars were sold, growing by 18 percent. Second, motorcycle sales reached 5.2 million units. This is good for our economy, but it will also cause traffic congestion. Thus, we will continue encouraging our automotive industry to enter foreign markets. The export trade will increase the value-added of the products, contributing to export revenue. We will also support giant ecosystems from the upstream to downstream levels to produce electric vehicles. We will push and connect this industry with the development of EV battery manufacturers. Those are what we will continue to do. Any other questions?
Reporter
What about incentives for EV purchase, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Incentives [for EV purchase] are still being calculated by Ministry of Finance – how much is for cars and how much is for motorcycles. But of course, we will prioritize motorcycles as I have been told that the waiting list to pre-order electric cars is up to a year.
Reporter
It’s already a lot, then, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
People have been waiting for two months, six months. They have to pre-order the cars, let alone if they are given incentives. But, it is still calculation.
Reporter
Mr. Jokowi, about PSSI (the Indonesian Football Association) Extraordinary Congress, what is your expectation for it?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The Government did not intervene. It was held based on the statutes. We hope that the new Chief will bring about a total reform. This is what we hope. I hope our football will thrive and at least, for the first step, we can perform well in Southeast Asia. For the next step, I hope we can do well in Asia. That is the only hope of the Government.
Reporter
What do you think about the new debt for the high-speed train? Do you have any concern about it, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
What?
Reporter
The new debt for high-speed train, what is your opinion, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We must support mass transportation. Be careful. We must not favor private vehicles. Even though we are at IIMS, we must support mass transportation systems. MRT, LRT, trains, high-speed trains are must-haves for big cities in order to integrate public transport within the city and with other cities. Therefore, people will avoid driving their own cars.
Reporter
About Ferdy Sambo, Sir? About the meeting with Mr. Prabowo? About Sambo’s hearing?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
You ask 20 questions at a time, which one should I answer? Fine, I will answer none of the questions.
(AY/EP)