Indonesia is entering a new phase in its automotive industry with plans to develop several national electric vehicle brands. The initiative signals a clear shift from being merely a consumer market toward becoming a producer with its own technological identity.
In the coming years, names such as Marlip, MABA, and the planned Danantara concept are expected to shape Indonesia’s national electric car landscape. Together, they reflect the government’s ambition to build a strong domestic electric vehicle ecosystem.
Electric vehicles have been positioned as a strategic sector aligned with Indonesia’s energy transition agenda. The development of national electric cars is also seen as a way to strengthen manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on imported vehicles.
One of the most prominent players is MABA, short for Mobil Anak Bangsa. The brand is developed by PT Mobil Anak Bangsa (MAB), an Indonesian automotive company that has been operating since 2016.
PT MAB is led by retired General Moeldoko and focuses primarily on electric commercial and utility vehicles. This approach distinguishes MABA from conventional passenger car manufacturers.
The company’s initial flagship products were electric buses designed for public transportation. These buses emphasize stable performance and low operating costs, making them suitable for urban mobility needs.
Beyond buses, MABA introduced the MAB SF T01, a versatile electric pickup truck. The vehicle can be converted into a cargo box and features a futuristic design often compared to the Tesla Cybertruck, with prices starting at around Rp269 million.
MABA has also developed the Birawa EV, a military-style electric pickup with all-wheel drive capability. The vehicle is designed for rough terrain and is currently undergoing military certification.
In the urban mobility segment, MABA is collaborating with Solarky Mobility to produce a solar-assisted electric city car. The vehicle is planned to be assembled in Central Java and allows its battery to be supplemented by solar panels.
The company’s portfolio further includes Metropod utility vehicles and electric garbage trucks. These products are aimed at supporting environmentally friendly solutions for urban services and logistics.
MABA’s vehicles offer several advantages, including zero tailpipe emissions and high energy efficiency. Electric drivetrains provide maximum torque from zero RPM, reducing maintenance and operational costs.
More broadly, MABA positions itself as part of Indonesia’s national electric vehicle ecosystem. The company focuses on research, development, and manufacturing while also collaborating with international partners to accelerate innovation.
In parallel, other national electric car concepts such as Marlip and Danantara are being discussed. These initiatives suggest that Indonesia does not intend to rely on a single flagship model.
Danantara is envisioned as a broader framework for national car development. This aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s statement that Indonesia will begin mass production of its national car within the next three years.
According to the government, budgets and land have already been allocated for factory development. The national car project is also being proposed as a National Strategic Project to speed up implementation.
Several vehicle models are being considered, including the i2C electric SUV and the Maung. The i2C is a fully electric SUV developed by PT Teknologi Militer Indonesia with international design collaboration.
Meanwhile, the Maung, originally a tactical military vehicle produced by PT Pindad, has been adapted for civilian use. President Prabowo has described the Maung as a symbol of honor and pride for domestic automotive production.
The policy encouraging government officials to use locally made vehicles reinforces demand for national products. It also provides an initial market to support domestic manufacturers.
With Marlip, MABA, and the Danantara concept, Indonesia is expected to have multiple national electric vehicle brands. This multi-brand strategy is seen as more realistic and resilient than relying on a single project.
Challenges remain, particularly in ensuring policy consistency, industrial readiness, and global competitiveness. However, the direction is clear, Indonesia is steadily laying the foundation for an independent and sustainable electric vehicle industry.
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