The Jakarta Post's front-page report states that energy anxiety has nearly doubled electric vehicle sales in Indonesia.
Global energy price increases triggered by the Iran conflict are accelerating Indonesia's shift toward electric vehicles, as consumers increasingly seek alternatives to internal combustion engine cars amid concerns over fuel cost volatility and long-term energy security.
Bagus Adiprakoso, a private employee, purchased his first personal vehicle—a fully electric car—in March this year. He said competitive pricing, advanced features, and concerns about fuel prices collectively influenced his decision. On Tuesday, he told The Jakarta Post: “I feel sorry for those still using conventional cars, but it ultimately comes down to individual needs. Given current circumstances and my lifestyle, I believe an electric vehicle fully meets my requirements.”
Initially skeptical about Indonesia’s electric vehicle infrastructure—such as charging stations—Bagus found his concerns eased after assessing his daily travel patterns. Potential buyers share similar considerations.
Another private employee, Yonathan Philip Jari, said he is considering switching from a gasoline-powered car to an electric one, though only for his second vehicle at present. Besides the appeal of quieter, more technologically advanced vehicles, he highlighted uncertainty in the fuel market as a key factor.
On Wednesday, he told the Post: “Debates surrounding private fuel suppliers versus state-owned enterprises make me question whether the government can ensure high-quality and evenly distributed fuel supplies for the public. Coupled with geopolitical issues highlighting the country’s reliance on imported fuel, even though prices remain under control now, people worry that gasoline prices could surge imminently. The prospect of future fuel price volatility is also concerning.”
Jonathan added that Indonesia’s relatively strong position in power generation—partly due to surplus coal supply—offers a sense of stability compared to fuel imports. “Owning an electric vehicle could help reduce dependence on international conflicts,” he said. However, he emphasized that widespread adoption of electric vehicles is progressing gradually and noted he currently has no immediate plans to switch his primary gasoline-powered car.
Data from the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo) supports this view: pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales rose 95.9% year-on-year in the first quarter of this year, reaching 33,150 units. This surge increased BEV market share to approximately 15.9% of the total wholesale volume of 209,021 units, up significantly from 8.2% in the same period last year (205,539 units).
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862855146934272/
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