Chinese automaker Chery is making a strong commitment to Indonesia’s automotive sector and its transition to electric vehicles. According to Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Chery plans to invest approximately IDR 5.2 trillion by 2030 in the country. The investment will go toward establishing and expanding production facilities — including a factory — either in partnership with local players or built independently. Chery aims to make Indonesia a regional export base for its electric vehicles (EVs), particularly for the ASEAN region.
Already since 2024, Chery has started laying down this investment groundwork. The government is pushing for more detailed business plans for the coming five years to strengthen production capacity and clearly map out the export strategy. The timing looks promising: electric (battery) vehicle sales in Indonesia have surged from virtually nothing — only 0.08% of the four-wheeled vehicle market in 2021 — to a more noticeable 10.22% between January and August 2025. Chery currently holds a strong position, ranking fourth among brands with the highest BEV sales in Indonesia. The government also sees this deal as a chance to accelerate broader ecosystem support: technology development, workforce skills, and supply chains for EVs are all areas expected to get a boost. There’s also mention of expanding exports even beyond ASEAN, including to Australia, given the brand’s presence and platform compatibility.
