Indonesia urges Toyota to expand exports and electric vehicle production
The industry minister also wants Toyota to consider building double-cab pickups locally, with Australia identified as a potential market.
Indonesia’s Industry Minister Muhammad Sarmuji has called on Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) to broaden its export business and speed up plans for domestic battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturing.
Following talks with company executives in Jakarta, Sarmuji said he wanted Toyota to export a wider range of models from Indonesia and reach more overseas markets. He identified Australia as a potential destination, citing its proximity and existing trade agreements, while noting that neighbouring countries already supply a significant share of its vehicles.
The minister asked Toyota to consider making double-cab pickups in Indonesia to serve Australian demand. He said the government was prepared to adjust domestic automotive regulations and improve conditions for local production where necessary.
Sarmuji acknowledged Toyota’s hybrid vehicle manufacturing and local hybrid battery plant, which exports components, but said the government wanted further progress on fully electric vehicle assembly. He also credited TMMIN with directly employing roughly 8,000 people and supporting approximately 360,000 jobs through suppliers and dealers.
TMMIN President Director Nandi Julyanto said local assembly of the bZ4X electric vehicle had begun. He said Toyota was preparing other BEV models suited to Indonesian buyers and remained committed to increasing exports, adding models and reaching new destinations.
