Jakarta. Chinese car manufacturer SERES, through its electric vehicle brand Aito, will launch an overland road tour from Chongqing to Jakarta.

Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) China Committee, Garibaldi "Boy" Thohir, said the event is a major initiative that will be warmly welcomed in Indonesia.

“We, from the Kadin Indonesia China Committee, are currently in Chongqing, China, to organize a major event where Aito cars will travel by land from Chongqing to Indonesia, and there will be a grand welcoming event on Aug. 25, in Indonesia,” said Garibaldi "Boy" Thohir after the launch in Chongqing on Monday.

The road tour, titled “Open the Way with Aito”, will cover a route from Chongqing, passing through several ASEAN countries before reaching Jakarta, covering a distance of around 5,000 kilometers. The vehicles to be used for the tour include the Aito M5, Aito M7, and Aito M9 models.

“The Chinese government, especially President Xi Jinping, has already launched the 'One Belt One Road' initiative, and this is one example of the 'Silk Road' from Chongqing to Indonesia. Also, I want this event to capture the attention of the younger generation,” Boy added.

Young people will be represented at the event by public figures such as Boy William, Gading Marten, and Bhre Cakrahutomo Wira Sudjiwo, also known as Gusti Bhre, the current ruler of the Kadipaten Mangkunegaran, a semi-autonomous principality within the Surakarta Sunanate.

“Young people usually like things that are fun and informal. So I’ve involved Boy William and Gading Marten as icons to help young Indonesians see how advanced China’s technology is, and most importantly, to highlight the strong relationship between the two countries,” Boy explained.

During the event, Indonesian Ambassador to China and Mongolia Djauhari Oratmangun said the initiative involves not only Indonesia and China but also several ASEAN countries.

“This signals that the industry will enter and begin production in Indonesia for the ASEAN market, which is why the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing fully supports this,” said Ambassador Djauhari.

He noted that New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) are a key component of the green economy.

“We have the materials needed to produce batteries, which are the main component of electric vehicles. That’s why we welcome the development of the electric vehicle industry in Indonesia. China has now become a leading global producer of electric vehicles,” Ambassador Djauhari added.

In his remarks, Ambassador Djauhari also noted that youth, innovators, and travelers are starting to play important roles in Indonesia-China relations.

“Events like this foster curiosity, a spirit of adventure, and mutual understanding. As the tour starts in Chongqing, we hope it also promotes greater integration between ASEAN and China, a more strategic, sustainable, and comprehensive Indonesia-China partnership, and a stronger, greener future,” he said.

Meanwhile, SERES Automotive President Leon He mentioned that Aito previously undertook a similar overland expedition across Europe.