Otodiva – Indonesia apparently has a number of car brands which are the work of the nation's children. Although not all are widely known, This line of cars holds great potential in the national automotive world. Tight market competition and policies that are not fully supportive have caused several local car brands to sink. The following is 12 a car brand made in Indonesia that is worth exploring in more depth:
1. Fin Komodo
PT Fin Komodo Technology, based in Cimahi, West Java, became one of the pioneers of cars made in Indonesia. Their specialization lies in the production of special cars for off-road and industrial activities. Until now, Fin Komodo continues to actively produce vehicles used for various purposes. Some of its flagship products include KD 250 X Standard, KD 250 X Patrol, KD 250 X Firefighters, KD 250 X Medevac, and K.D 250 X Powerspray. These cars are very suitable for rough terrain, making it a favorite choice for those working in industrial and outdoor adventure areas.
2. Man
PT Super Gasindo Jaya is the manufacturer behind the Tawon car brand, which was born from the vision of Kuntjoro Njoto. Since the 1960s, Kuntjoro has been active in the Indonesian automotive world, even had time to produce large trucks. Tawon is designed to replace Bajaj as public transportation. Sadly, although the design is interesting, Tawon did not receive a significant market response. PT Super Gasindo Jaya had the ambition to make an electric and gas-fueled version of Tawon, but the project was ultimately not implemented.
3. AMMDes
AMMDes, stands for Rural Multi-Purpose Mechanical Equipment, is an innovation from PT Kreasi Mandiri Wintor Indonesia (KMWI), a subsidiary of the Astra Group. This vehicle is specifically designed to support activities in rural areas and is often the highlight of modification exhibitions, including at the Indonesia Modification Expo (SMEs). AMMDes continues to attract attention with a design that can be modified according to user needs.
4. GEA
GEA is the work of PT INKA, state-owned company known as a train manufacturer. When train orders declined in the early 2000s, PT INKA decided to expand its business by producing cars. GEA is the result of this innovation, with the main target being cars suitable for rural areas.
5. Beta 97
Beta 97 is an ambitious project from PT Bakrie Motor. Sadly, This project had to stop midway due to the monetary crisis that hit Indonesia in the late 1990s. Before stopping, Beta 97 has gone through various trials, including body tests, electronic system, and suspension.
6. Esemka
Who doesn't know Esemka?? This car is produced by PT Solo Manufaktur Kreasi and is often referred to as a national car product. The factory is located in Boyolali Regency, Central Java, and Esemka had become a symbol of pride for Indonesia. Nevertheless, marketing and production of this car still faces various challenges.
7. Timor
Timor is one of the most recognized brands in the range of cars made in Indonesia. This car was produced by PT Timor Putra Nasional which was founded by Tommy Soeharto in 1996. Timor's dream was to become a national car that could compete with imported cars, However, this project was finally stopped due to policy changes in this country.
8. Maleo
On 1996, Maleo car project started under the guidance of Prof. BJ Habibie. This car is designed to compete with imported cars and is expected to become the pride of Indonesia. But unfortunately, This project was stopped during the reign of President Soeharto, so Maleo never reached mass production.
9. Village
Selo is an electric car designed by Ricky Elson, an electric motor technology expert. This car was first introduced in 2013 as part of the national electric car project. Selo has become a symbol of innovation in Indonesia's efforts to switch to environmentally friendly vehicles.
10. Tucuxi
Tucuxi is another electric car designed by Danet Suryatama, an automotive engineer. This car was introduced in 2012 and become one of the pioneers of electric vehicles in Indonesia. Although it did attract attention, Tucuxi's development experienced various technical obstacles.
11. Elang
Student from Tidar University, Magelang, Central Java, designed the Eagle as an energy efficient electric car. This car has an engine capacity 350 watts and can go up to 40 km/hour. Although still in the prototype stage, The Eagle shows great potential for further development.
12. Mahesa
Mahesa is a car designed by Sukiyat from Klaten, which is intended to help agricultural activities. This car comes in three variants, i.e. pick-up, double cabin, and agricultural version. This car is designed to support the productivity of Indonesian farmers in various regions.
