EN.malanginspirasi.com – PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara plans to import up to 160,000 three-wheeled motorcycles from abroad to strengthen the operations of the Village/Subdistrict Cooperatives Merah Putih (Kopdes Merah Putih).
This step is necessary because local manufacturers struggle to fulfill large orders in a short time, although some units will still be sourced domestically. The plan forms part of a broader commercial vehicle procurement program, which also includes importing 105,000 pickups and trucks from India.
The initiative aims to support approximately 80,000 Kopdes Merah Putih across Indonesia. Each cooperative will receive a simple vehicle package: one truck, one pickup, and two three-wheeled motorcycles. This results in a total requirement of 160,000 three-wheeled units (two per cooperative × 80,000).
Agrinas has partnered with local manufacturers such as Viar, Kaisar, Ace, Nozomi, Powerace, and TVS to meet part of the demand. However, due to the massive order volume and limited local production capacity, the remainder must be imported.
While the pickup and truck imports are specified from India, the source country for the three-wheeled motorcycles is not explicitly stated in reports. It only described as “from abroad.” Brands like TVS originate from India but are often assembled in Indonesia with major components from China.
Local Producers Can’t Meet Massive Demand
Agrinas CEO Joao Angelo De Sousa Mota explained that the decision followed failed negotiations with local producers on price, volume, and delivery timelines.
“We have contacted all three-wheeled motorcycle manufacturers in Indonesia. But they are unable to meet an order of this size,” he stated in an official release.
The rationale for importing is straightforward: speed and efficiency. Three-wheeled motorcycles are ideal for transporting goods in villages, especially on narrow or rural roads.
This program seeks to boost the productivity of Kopdes Merah Putih cooperatives to enhance national food security, aligning with Agrinas’ role as a state-owned food company.
Additionally, the imports of pickups and trucks from India are part of the package. 35,000 4×4 pickups from Mahindra & Mahindra, plus 70,000 units from Tata Motors (including Yodha Pick-Up and Ultra T.7 Light Truck).
The total contract is claimed to save tens of trillions of rupiah, with the three-wheeled focus on local distribution.
Controversy Over Imports
The Import Plan Sparks Controversy The proposal has generated significant backlash. Many parties, including DPR members and automotive industry players, criticize it for allegedly sidelining domestic products.
The Chairman of the DPD RI, for example, warned that it could undermine national industrial sovereignty.
“This could harm our already advanced industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) stated that the program is fully Agrinas’ responsibility, with no direct government intervention. Agrinas has responded by pledging transparency and long-term benefits for villages.
The import process remains in the planning and contracting stage. Agrinas has ordered an initial 200 pickups, targeting 1,200 units by the end of this month. Procurement will proceed in phases to ensure even distribution to all Kopdes.
Local industry continues to monitor developments, hoping for adjustments to prioritize domestic production.
