Indonesia Postpones Import of 105,000 Pickup Trucks from India Pending Presidential Review
Jakarta, Indonesia – February 24, 2026 – The Indonesian government has postponed the import of 105,000 pickup trucks from India, pending the return of President Prabowo Subianto from an overseas trip. The decision comes after scrutiny regarding the plan, particularly concerning its potential impact on domestic automotive industries.
Import Plan Put on Hold
Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono announced the postponement on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. He clarified that the import plan falls outside the purview of the Ministry of Cooperatives, stating, “Yesterday it was decided, it is not the authority of the Ministry of Cooperatives. So it has been decided to postpone it, until we wait for the President to come.” DetikNews
The trucks were intended for leverage by Red and White Cooperatives (Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih), a government initiative aimed at bolstering rural economic development. The final decision rests with President Subianto.
Concerns Raised by DPR and Labor Unions
Deputy Chairman of the DPR RI, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, had previously urged the government to delay the import plan, citing the President’s absence. “So the plan to import 105 thousand pickup cars from India, I have conveyed a message to the government to postpone this plan, considering that the President is still abroad,” Dasco stated on Monday, February 23, 2026. DetikNews He anticipates President Subianto will discuss the details upon his return.
The proposed import has similarly drawn criticism from labor unions. The Labor Party and the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) expressed concerns that the influx of imported vehicles could lead to layoffs in the domestic automotive sector. Tempo.co KSPI President Said Iqbal argued that prioritizing imports over domestic production would negatively impact Indonesian workers and potentially displace jobs.
Kadin Indonesia Voices Opposition
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has also called for a postponement, expressing concerns that the imports could disrupt the local automotive industry. Liputan6.com Kadin believes that supporting domestic manufacturers is crucial for the country’s economic growth.
PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara’s Role
State-owned enterprise PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara (Persero) had been processing the import of the 105,000 vehicles from two Indian manufacturers. Liputan6.com However, the company has indicated a willingness to comply with the government’s decision to postpone the import.
Looking Ahead
The fate of the import plan now rests with President Prabowo Subianto. His decision will likely consider the potential benefits for the Red and White Cooperatives alongside the concerns raised by domestic industries and labor unions. Further details are expected following the President’s return to Indonesia.