Indonesia Delays Import of 105K Indian Pickup Trucks Until Prabowo Returns

Jakarta – Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto’s upcoming return to the country will determine the fate of a controversial plan to import 105,000 pickup trucks from India, according to Indonesian Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono. The import, intended to support operations for the Red and White Village and Sub-district Cooperatives (Koperasi Desa Kelurahan Merah Putih), has been put on hold pending the President’s arrival.

“The decision was made yesterday – this falls outside the authority of the Ministry of Cooperatives. It has been decided to postpone it until President Prabowo returns,” Minister Juliantono stated on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, following a speech at the 99 Indonesian Sharia Economy Forum in Jakarta. He reiterated that a final decision rests with President Subianto, adding simply, “We’re waiting for the President.”

The postponement follows mounting criticism of the import plan, including calls for its complete cancellation. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, urged the government to delay the plan on Monday, February 23, 2026, citing the President’s absence from the country. “Regarding the plan to import 105,000 pickup trucks from India, I have conveyed a message to the government that this plan should be deferred, considering the President is still abroad,” Dasco said.

Dasco expressed hope that President Subianto would thoroughly review the details of the plan upon his return, emphasizing the need to assess the readiness of domestic manufacturers. “The President will certainly discuss the details of this import when he returns. And he will naturally seek input and assess the readiness of domestic manufacturers,” he stated.

The proposed import has sparked significant controversy, with labor groups warning of potential job losses in Indonesia’s automotive industry. The Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) and the Labor Party have voiced strong opposition, arguing that flooding the market with imported vehicles could devastate local production and lead to mass layoffs. Said Iqbal, President of the Labor Party and KSPI, warned of “a potential for layoffs because production output will decrease due to the import of these 105,000 pickups.”

Despite the growing opposition, PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara, the company facilitating the import, confirmed that 1,200 units from Mahindra have already arrived in Jakarta as of February 12, 2026. Joao Angelo De Sousa Mota, President Director of Agrinas, stated the company would remain “loyal and faithful” to government decisions, while confirming the scale of the procurement: 35,000 Scorpio 4×4 pickups from Mahindra, alongside 35,000 4×4 pickups and 35,000 six-wheeled trucks from Tata Motors.

Adding another layer of complexity, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed that the government intends to utilize state funds (APBN) amounting to Rp40 trillion annually for six years – a total of Rp240 trillion – to finance the import through repayment of bank debts. This proposed use of state funds has further fueled criticism of the plan.

The Red and White Cooperatives, intended beneficiaries of the imported trucks, have become a focal point of the debate. The initiative aims to bolster economic activity at the village and sub-district level, but critics question the necessity of relying on imports rather than supporting domestic automotive manufacturers. The postponement signals a recognition of the sensitivity surrounding the issue and a willingness to allow President Subianto to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.

The situation highlights the delicate balance the Indonesian government faces between promoting rural economic development and protecting domestic industries. The final decision on the import of the 105,000 pickup trucks will likely have significant implications for both the automotive sector and the broader Indonesian economy. The use of substantial state funds to finance the import also raises questions about fiscal priorities and the potential opportunity cost of allocating resources to this specific initiative.

The delay provides an opportunity for a more comprehensive assessment of the plan, including a detailed evaluation of the impact on local manufacturers, a review of the financing arrangements, and a broader consultation with stakeholders. President Subianto’s decision, expected upon his return, will be closely watched by industry leaders, labor groups, and policymakers alike.