Indonesia Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa Flags Slowing Auto Sales

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said Indonesia’s car sales have not kept pace with Malaysia’s despite a population nearly five times larger. Both countries record about 800,000 vehicle units sold annually, but Indonesia’s market, which once exceeded one million units a year, has slipped in recent years.

Gaikindo data show wholesale car sales at 81,247 units, dropping to 61,271 in March 2026, rebounding to 80,779 in April, then falling again to 69,219. Motor sales also fluctuated, reaching half‑million units in February 2026, falling to 448,974, rising to 520,972 in April, and slipping to 479,388 thereafter. Sadewa linked the weakness to a sub‑5% average economic growth rate (2015‑2024) and a less‑favourable investment climate.

The government is responding with a mix of fiscal and monetary measures, a special task‑force to clear financing bottlenecks, and a recent Rp200 trillion injection into banks. Sadewa expects stronger growth to revive domestic demand and restore Indonesia’s position as a regional automotive hub.