PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk (VKTR) has officially launched its first commercial electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant in Indonesia.

The facility is located in Magelang, Central Java, and was inaugurated on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Operated by PT VKTR Sakti Industries (VKTS), the plant is the result of a joint venture with Karoseri Tri Sakti.

VKTR states that this is the first CKD-based assembly facility for commercial EVs in the country.

Plant Operations Begin Immediately After Launch

VKTR confirmed that the Magelang plant would begin production activities the day after the launch.

“It is already operational; we begin on May 29 right after the inauguration,” said VKTR President Director Gilarsi W. Setijono.

He delivered the statement at the Zero Emission Heavy-Duty Vehicle Summit 2025 held on Tuesday, May 27.

The facility was specifically designed to assemble electric buses and trucks to support the domestic EV industry.

Targeting 3,000 EV Units Per Year

The Magelang plant is projected to produce 3,000 electric buses and trucks annually.

This target reflects the company’s intent to respond to rising national demand for electric commercial vehicles.

The facility is expected to play a significant role in building EV supply capacity within Indonesia.

VKTR aims to position itself as a major local contributor to the clean transportation transition.

High-Level Officials Join Soft Launch Ceremony

The soft launch event brought together both government and corporate leaders.

Among them were VKTS President Director A. Amri Aswono Putro, Secretary of the Directorate General of Land Transportation Ahmad Yani, and VKTR President Commissioner Anindya N. Bakrie.

Photos from the event showed the three holding discussions after the ceremony.

Their presence reflects cross-sector support for Indonesia’s EV infrastructure development.

B2B Electric Vehicle Demand Still Limited

Despite the launch, VKTR acknowledges that demand remains a challenge, especially in the commercial EV segment.

“Demand is still an issue. Right now, only companies that see clear cost benefits over conventional commercial vehicles are moving toward electric mobility. B2B is easier,” said Gilarsi.

VKTR’s strategy includes working with partners like Transjakarta and Damri, who have adopted electric buses in Jakarta.

PHOTO: ANTARA

This article was created with AI assistance.