October 29, 2025 | 04:58 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Racer and automotive observer Fitra Eri Purwotomo reveals why it's more sensible for Indonesia to have electric cars as its national car. According to Eri, electric vehicles (EVs) are easier to manufacture as opposed to internal combustion engine cars.
"If it were up to me, I suggest we start with electric cars. We won't fall too far behind others with electric cars, compared to internal combustion engines, since we will end up buying parts abroad for the engines anyway," Eri said when contacted by Tempo on October 28, 2025.
Additionally, Eri mentioned that electric motor propulsion is deemed a common component, unlike those for internal combustion engines. "So, they won't be unique to one car brand. It's possible for one type of electric motor to be used in several cars."
Meanwhile, internal combustion engines are more specific to a single brand. For instance, Eri explained, if you buy a Mercedes-Benz, it will specifically have a Mercedes-Benz engine that is unusable for other brands.
"And in terms of technology transfer, making our own electric motor is not as difficult as making our own internal combustion engine," he said.
Internal combustion engines running on gasoline have complicated pistons and components to manufacture. Whereas, according to Eri, electrically driven vehicles are remarkably simple. Electric cars only require the main components of batteries, electric motors, and a control unit.
"Meanwhile, internal combustion engines have pistons, their ECUs, valves, valve springs, and engine blocks. Researching these requires much more time, and we are already lagging behind," he added.
As for electric cars, Eri mentioned that Indonesia can start from scratch by importing some components while transferring technologies.
Previously, Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia would have a national car within the next three years. The statement was made during a cabinet plenary meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, on October 20, 2025.
"I have allocated funds, we have prepared the land for the factories. The team is currently working. We have already produced Indonesian-made jeeps," said Prabowo during the cabinet meeting in his government's first year.
Editor’s Choice: Prabowo Says Indonesia Will Have a National Car Within 3 Years
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