Daihatsu Shows How Restrictions Hit National Auto Sales Badly

Heru Andriyanto
September 12, 2020 | 11:06 pm
SHARE
(The Jakarta Globe)
(The Jakarta Globe)

Jakarta. Japanese automaker Daihatsu described in a simple chart how the two-month social restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak have sent national car sales into a free fall, as Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan announced a plan to re-impose restrictions starting on Monday.

Daihatsu, who controls around 18 percent of the Indonesian automotive market share, demanded that the governor immediately put into details the upcoming restrictions -- whether it will be at the level of the April-May period or, as the governor has indicated, even stricter.

Hendrayadi Lastiyoso, Marketing Division Head of Astra International Daihatsu in Jakarta, said on Friday the company has been waiting for a formal regulation since Anies made the announcement on Wednesday before any decision can be made.

“Besides, there have been dissenting opinions from others, including the Trade Ministry,” Hendrayadi said in a virtual news briefing, in reference to opposition from industry associations and a number of central government officials to the planned social restrictions in the capital.

Advertisement

When the capital for the first time imposed the so-called large-scale social restrictions, or PSBB, on April 10, dealerships weren’t allowed to open except for repair services, Hendrayadi recalled.

The measures hurt the industry as monthly sales dropped to the lowest point in more than a decade.

Retail sales of all brands plummeted by nearly 60 percent in April while the wholesale figure crashed by almost 90 percent from the previous month.

Situation worsened in May, when overall sales stood at a mere 20,700 units in comparison to the 137,300 units sold in March alone.

Daihatsu Shows How Restrictions Hit National Auto Sales Badly
(Click for a full view)

As for Daihatsu, sales in the eight-month period ending August dropped by 49.8 percent for wholesale and 42.6 percent for retail compared to the same period last year.

When Jakarta and its satellite cities relaxed the restrictions in June, sales began to pick up the pace. The upward trend continued until August.

Now with the Jakarta governor announcing reimposition of the PSBB, anxiety returns to the Japanese compact car producer.

“We certainly support policies from the central and provincial governments. Mr. Anies said a strict PSBB will come into effect on Monday and we want to know how strict it will be,” Daihatsu Indonesia Corporate Planning Director Amelia Tjandra said.

She said the company has reduced the number of office attendance by 50 percent and even introduced a smartphone application that would emit noise when employees were too close to each other.

“If that’s not enough, what else should we do? We really want to know the new regulation,” Amelia said.
 

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News Jun 4, 2025 | 9:40 am

No Need to Panic Over Recent COVID-19 Spike, Health Minister Says

Health Minister Budi Sadikin says recent COVID-19 variants in Indonesia are not deadly, urges public to stay calm and follow health protocol
News Jun 3, 2025 | 5:28 pm

Indonesia on Alert as Prabowo Responds to COVID-19 Uptick

President Prabowo summons Health Minister Budi amid rising COVID-19 cases. Public urged to stay calm and follow basic health precautions.
News Jun 1, 2025 | 12:03 pm

Indonesia Issues COVID-19 Advisory Amid New Wave in Asia

In Indonesia, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases dropped from 28 to just three over the past week.
News May 19, 2025 | 5:56 pm

Indonesia, Thailand Sign Health Pact as COVID Cases Surge in Bangkok

Indonesia and Thailand sign a health MoU in Bangkok as COVID-19 cases rise, aiming to strengthen pandemic readiness and health systems.
News May 19, 2025 | 5:45 pm

Indonesia, Thailand Sign Health Pact as COVID Cases Surge in Bangkok

Indonesia and Thailand sign a health MoU in Bangkok as COVID-19 cases rise, aiming to strengthen pandemic readiness and health systems.
Lifestyle Feb 18, 2025 | 10:51 am

Is Leaving Indonesia for Better Work Opportunities Unpatriotic?

Frustration over job prospects in Indonesia fuels the viral #KaburAjaDulu trend, with many seeking opportunities abroad.
News Feb 6, 2025 | 11:13 am

Argentina Joins US in Exiting WHO, Citing "Profound Differences"

Argentina's president has ordered the country to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to "profound differences".
News Jan 14, 2025 | 5:27 pm

HMPV vs. Covid-19: Key Differences in Risks, Transmission, and Management

Discover the facts about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), its transmission, fatality risks, and how it compares to Covid-19.
News Dec 30, 2024 | 12:53 pm

From Jokowi to Prabowo: 2024 Marks New Chapter for Indonesia

In 2024, Southeast Asia’s largest economy Indonesia saw a change in leadership after Prabowo succeeded Jokowi.

The Latest


Tech 9 hours ago

Indonesia Introduces AI and Coding to 59,000 Schools Nationwide

Indonesia rolls out AI and coding as elective subjects in 59,000 schools, aiming to prepare students for the digital future.
News 10 hours ago

"I Realized I Was Alive": Survivor Speaks After Air India Dreamliner Crash

A lone survivor recounts escaping the Air India crash that killed 241 people. Investigators recover the black box as probe intensifies.
Lifestyle 10 hours ago

Dental Issues Top List in Indonesia’s Mass Health Screenings, Minister Says

Indonesia’s free health check program finds dental issues most common, ahead of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, health minister says.
Lifestyle 10 hours ago

AVC Nations Cup: Indonesia Defeats Hong Kong, Eyes Top-Five Finish

Indonesia’s women’s volleyball team beat Hong Kong 3-1 at the AVC Nations Cup in Hanoi to advance in the battle for fifth place.
News 11 hours ago

Bali, Jakarta Explore $20B Subway Collaboration to Ease Island Traffic

Bali and Jakarta officials met to discuss plans for the island’s first MRT system, with underground tracks proposed to respect local customs
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED