Tangerang. Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita on Thursday called on global automakers to accelerate previously announced investment commitments, saying the country still offers significant growth opportunities and should become a regional manufacturing and export hub rather than merely a large consumer market.

Speaking at the opening of the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in Tangerang, Agus outlined three priorities for automotive manufacturers operating in Indonesia.

"First, accelerate the realization of the investment commitments you have announced," Agus said.

"Second, deepen the domestic supply chain down to second- and third-tier suppliers, because that is where the true resilience of the industry is tested. Third, make Indonesia a production base and export hub for the region, not just a large market."

Agus said the government would continue to provide policy certainty and consistency to support long-term investment in the automotive sector.

He noted that investment realized under Indonesia's low-carbon vehicle program has reached only Rp 5.5 trillion (about $318 million) out of total pledged investment of Rp 21.2 trillion (about $1.2 billion).

"I appreciate the progress that has been made. However, I must also say openly that most of those commitments have yet to be realized," he said.

The minister said Indonesia's automotive industry has continued to expand this year. Vehicle production reached 615,000 units in the first half of 2026, up 11.3% from the same period last year, while wholesale vehicle sales increased 15.9% to 436,000 units.

Agus said Indonesia's long-term growth potential remains substantial, with car ownership standing at only 99 vehicles per 1,000 people, well below Thailand's 275 and Malaysia's 490 vehicles per 1,000 people.

"That growth potential should not be filled by imported products," Agus said. "It should be met through domestic production."

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