As Indonesia’s transport sector continues to evolve, the country’s coachbuilding industry remains an integral part of its commercial vehicle ecosystem. With over 200 member companies, the Indonesian Bodybuilders Association (ASKARINDO) plays a key role in supporting the industry’s growth, advocating for favourable policies, and ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards. In this interaction, Ms. Anik Triani S., Secretary of ASKARINDO, shares her views on the association’s role, the challenges facing the industry, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Established in 2003, ASKARINDO has grown into the leading representative body for Indonesia’s vehicle body manufacturing industry. Today, the association has 204 members spread across the country, reflecting the steady expansion of Indonesia’s coachbuilding sector. According to Ms. Anik Triani S., Secretary of ASKARINDO, one of the association’s primary responsibilities is to assist members in navigating regulatory requirements while ensuring full compliance with government norms. “ASKARINDO helps its members process permits related to the bodybuilding sector at the ministry, as long as the members comply with the applicable regulations,” she says.
As Indonesia continues to invest in transportation infrastructure and mobility solutions, demand for vehicle bodybuilders is expected to remain strong. Although exact industry figures are not available, Ms. Anik believes the opportunities are significant as the country’s transportation network continues to expand. “It is very important for transportation modes to continue expanding. We do not know the exact numbers, but the demand is significant,” she notes. At the same time, maintaining quality and ensuring passenger safety remain top priorities for the association. ASKARINDO encourages all its members to strictly adhere to technical specifications and regulatory standards prescribed by the government. “To maintain quality and safety, vehicle specifications must comply with ministry regulations,” she emphasises.
Navigating Market Challenges
Despite the positive long-term outlook, the industry is currently navigating a challenging business environment. Global geopolitical tensions have affected Indonesia’s economy, resulting in higher raw material costs for vehicle body manufacturers. Rising input costs have compelled companies to increase prices, while competition from imported completely built-up (CBU) vehicles has further intensified market pressures. “The current war situation is disrupting the Indonesian economy. The prices of bodybuilding materials have increased, forcing bodybuilders to raise prices. At the same time, the local industry has to compete with CBU products that receive government support through zero percent import tax,” Ms. Anik explains.
Unlocking Future Opportunities
Even amid these challenges, she remains optimistic about the industry’s long-term contribution to Indonesia’s economy. A growing coachbuilding sector has the potential to create substantial employment opportunities while strengthening the country’s export capabilities and foreign exchange earnings. “If the industry continues to develop, bodybuilding will absorb a large workforce. Furthermore, if exports increase, it can contribute positively to Indonesia’s foreign exchange earnings,” she says. To fully realise this potential, ASKARINDO hopes the government will continue to strengthen the domestic manufacturing ecosystem by introducing more supportive regulations for local entrepreneurs. “We hope the government will make regulations easier to help local bodybuilder entrepreneurs in the future,” she adds.
Outlook for the Industry
Looking ahead, Ms. Anik expects the industry’s short-term performance to remain closely linked to broader economic conditions. “If the current economic situation continues, it could lead to lower bus sales and result in more layoffs,” she cautions. However, she remains optimistic about the longer-term outlook, expressing confidence that a more stable economic environment will pave the way for sustained growth. “In the long term, we hope the economic situation becomes more conducive so that the bodybuilder business can grow even further,” she concludes.
With its growing membership, focus on regulatory compliance, and commitment to supporting local manufacturers, ASKARINDO continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indonesia’s coachbuilding industry. As the country’s transportation sector expands, the association’s efforts to strengthen quality standards, promote industry competitiveness, and advocate for supportive policies will remain crucial to the sustainable growth of the sector.
