Jakarta – Indonesian commercial vehicle manufacturers are raising concerns about a growing influx of truck imports from China, a trend that threatens to disrupt the domestic market and potentially impact local jobs. Industry leaders have begun lobbying the Ministry of Industry to address the issue, citing unfair competition stemming from lower prices and differing regulatory standards [[1]]. The situation is notably sensitive as Indonesia aims to bolster its manufacturing sector and attract further foreign investment [[2]].
Jakarta –
Indonesian commercial vehicle manufacturers are voicing concerns over a surge in truck imports from China, a trend that is beginning to disrupt the domestic market. While overall sales figures haven’t indicated a downturn, local producers are increasingly worried about the competitive pressure from lower-priced Chinese trucks.
Jongkie D Sugiarto, Chairman of the Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers Association (Gaikindo), confirmed the organization has relayed these concerns to the Ministry of Industry for review.
“We have already communicated this to the Ministry of Industry, so a solution may be found,” Jongkie said on January 23, 2026, during a meeting in Jakarta.
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Several legal avenues are being utilized to facilitate the influx of these trucks, including investment schemes. According to Jongkie, some imports qualify under existing regulations related to investment in equipment.
“They are able to import through several methods. Within the master list, for example, if the import is tied to an investment in equipment, including trucks, it is permissible,” he explained.
Furthermore, a significant number of Chinese trucks are entering the country with a designation for limited use, primarily for operations in mining or off-road environments. Because these vehicles are not intended for public roads, they are exempt from standard roadworthiness certifications.
“Some are imported solely for use in mines. Since they don’t operate on public roads, they don’t require roadworthiness certification or homologation,” Jongkie added.
This situation is creating an uneven playing field for manufacturers who have made substantial investments in domestic assembly facilities and adhere to stringent homologation requirements. The Indonesian market is particularly sensitive to these issues as it seeks to foster local manufacturing and economic growth.
Gaikindo has proposed a straightforward solution to the government: all vehicles with wheels and engines should be required to meet Indonesian standards.
“The Ministry of Industry could issue a decision requiring all vehicles, trucks or otherwise, to be roadworthy here. That would resolve the issue,” Jongkie stated.
Many of the imported Chinese trucks are being used in the mining sector and do not meet the same requirements as trucks manufactured and sold within Indonesia, particularly regarding emissions regulations. Indonesia currently enforces Euro 4 emission standards, while the imported trucks often comply with the older Euro 2 standard.
“They arrive without investing in Indonesia. They come with products that do not meet Indonesian regulatory standards. They do not follow the required procedures,” said Aji Jaya, Marketing Director of PT Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motors (Mitsubishi Fuso), during a meeting in Jakarta on January 22, 2026.
Recently, Chinese brands showcased vehicles with Euro 2 and Euro 3 emission standards at an industry exhibition, drawing criticism from Japanese manufacturers.
Truck manufacturers already producing vehicles domestically have made significant investments. Mitsubishi Fuso, for example, has been operating in Indonesia for 50 years, employing thousands of workers in the commercial vehicle industry.
“If we are not protected, it will impact our manufacturing activities. If we can’t produce, investment in Indonesian society will also be affected. We have contributed to Indonesia and its people, and we are currently facing this situation,” Aji explained.
Harianto Sariyan, Director of Hino Motors Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI), stated that the company’s plant in Purwakarta, West Java, has an annual production capacity of 75,000 units. Currently, capacity utilization is between 35% and 45%.
“But 2025 is shaping up to be our worst year, with utilization expected to fall to around 25% due to the influx of Chinese trucks last year,” Harianto said on January 21, as reported by CNN.
(riar/din)
