Dian Rahma Fika, Jakarta – The Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, says the number of car owners in Indonesia is far behind its neighboring countries.
"The car ownership ratio in Indonesia is still very low," Agus said in a statement when opening the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) exhibition in Jakarta on Thursday, February 13, 2025. He then compared the car ownership ratio in Indonesia with several Asian countries.
Agus mentioned that the ownership ratio of four-wheeled vehicles in Indonesia stands at 99 units per 1,000 people, while the population of Indonesia has reached 281 million in 2024. According to the data referred to by Agus, the ownership ratio of four-wheeled vehicles in Malaysia is 490 units per 1,000 people, with a total population of about 35 million.
Thailand also has a higher car ownership ratio compared to Indonesia. With a population of around 70 million, Thailand recorded a car ownership ratio of 275 units per 1,000 people. "In Singapore, (the ratio) is 211 units per 1,000 people, South Korea, 530 units per 1,000 people, and Japan 670 units per 1,000 people," Agus went on to give examples of car ownership ratios from developed countries.
He also pointed out the high car ownership ratio in Australia, which stands at 776 units per 1,000 people. "If I'm not mistaken, the population is only 30 or 40 million, right?" said the Golkar party politician.
With the low number of car owners, Agus sees it as an opportunity to boost the national automotive industry performance. He confirmed that the car sales figures in January 2025 were down by 11.3 percent year-on-year compared to the same period the previous year. Based on Gaikindo data, car sales in January 2025 were recorded at 61,843 units, lower than the sales in January 2024, which reached 69,758 units.