Jakarta. Sales of commercial vehicles, particularly light to heavy trucks, came under pressure during the first half of 2025. According to data from the Indonesia Automotive Industries Association (Gaikindo), there was a significant decline in the truck category with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 5–10 tons -- from 20,891 units in January–June 2024 to 17,891 units during the same period this year.

Gaikindo’s Secretary General, Kukuh Kumara, explained that the downturn in commercial vehicle sales is closely linked to the slowdown in infrastructure projects and the still-recovering commodity sector.

“Commercial vehicles usually depend on the ongoing projects. When the economy picks up, commodity prices rise, and mining activity increases, the demand typically follows. Right now, that’s not happening,” he said during the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in Tangerang on Tuesday.

Sales performance from several major brands also reflects this downward trend. Mitsubishi Fuso, one of the key players in the truck segment, saw its retail sales fall from 13,032 units in H1 2024 to 11,640 units in the same period this year. UD Trucks declined from 816 to 764 units, while Isuzu saw a drop from 13,940 units to 11,294 units.

According to Gaikindo, the commercial vehicle sector is highly sensitive to national economic dynamics. When public and private sector project spending decreases, the demand for trucks -- as freight transport vehicles -- also weakens.

Kukuh stressed the importance of long-term, investor-friendly government policies to revive the commercial vehicle market.

“What we’re talking about are policies that are investor-friendly, that offer long-term certainty and sustainability. A vehicle isn't just a 5–10 year investment—we need policies that can last 20 to 30 years,” said Kukuh.

Despite current challenges, Kukuh remains optimistic about a potential recovery in the second half of 2025. He believes a rebound could occur if project activities resume and the commodity sectors, including mining, begin to show signs of recovery.

Commercial Vehicle Retail Sales (H1 2024 vs. H1 2025):

• Pickup (GVW <5 Ton)
  2024: 50,709 units | 2025: 47,325 units

• Truck (GVW 5–10 Ton)
  2024: 20,891 units | 2025: 17,891 units

• Truck (GVW 10–24 Ton)
  2024: 2,068 units | 2025: 2,002 units

• Truck (GVW >24 Ton)
  2024: 7,551 units | 2025: 8,087 units