Jakarta – A planned import of 105,000 pickup trucks and trucks from India has triggered a sharp response from Indonesia’s automotive industry association, Gaikindo, raising concerns about the capacity of domestic manufacturers to meet national demand. The vehicles are slated for use by PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara to support operations of the Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDKMP), a cooperative focused on bolstering food distribution networks.
The move has drawn scrutiny as Indonesia possesses a substantial domestic automotive manufacturing base capable of producing similar vehicles. Gaikindo data indicates seven Indonesian manufacturers – PT Suzuki Indomobil Motor, PT Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia, PT Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motor, PT SGMW Motor Indonesia (Wuling Motors), PT Sokonindo Automobile (DFSK), PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), and PT Astra Daihatsu Motor – currently have a combined pickup truck production capacity exceeding 400,000 units annually.
“Actually, Gaikindo members and also supporting industries, including the automotive component industry represented by GIAMM, have the production capacity to meet these needs,” stated Putu Juli Ardika, Chairman of Gaikindo, in a press statement. “However, adequate time is needed to fulfill the quantity and criteria required.”
The planned import consists of 35,000 Scorpio pickups from Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. And 70,000 units – split between 35,000 Yodha Pick Up trucks and 35,000 Ultra T trucks – from Tata Motors India, according to reports. Gaikindo emphasized that domestically produced vehicles generally feature 4×2 drivetrains and boast a high level of local content, exceeding 40 percent.
Industry observers note the timing of the import plan coincides with a period of sluggish performance for the Indonesian automotive sector. Concerns have been voiced that the influx of imported vehicles could further depress the domestic market. The association highlighted the existing network of service and after-sales support available throughout Indonesia for locally manufactured vehicles.
Ardika further suggested that providing domestic manufacturers with the opportunity and sufficient lead time would allow them to participate in fulfilling the demand for commercial vehicles, optimizing domestic production capacity and potentially mitigating job losses stemming from weakened market demand. The issue has prompted discussion regarding coordination within the Indonesian government, with some questioning whether different ministries are aligned on industrial policy.
As of Friday, February 20, 2026, Agrinas Pangan Nusantara has not publicly addressed Gaikindo’s concerns. No further statements regarding the import schedule or potential adjustments to the procurement plan have been released.