Indonesia’s Automotive Industry Accelerates with New BYD Plant

Indonesia’s automotive sector is poised for growth in 2025, with production forecast to surpass 1.3 million vehicles, up from 1.2 million in 2024, according to GAIKINDO, the national automotive association. The industry, which already employs more than 1.5 million people, contributes around 10% of the country’s GDP and is emerging as a key driver of the economy.

Despite a 13.9% decline in domestic car sales in 2024, exports to more than 90 countries rose by 7% in the first half of 2025. The expansion of industrial zones across Java and subsidies for electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to sustain the sector’s growth, with electrified models gaining an increasing share of production.

One of the main growth hubs is the island of Java, where global heavy lifting and transport specialist Sarens is contributing to the construction of a new BYD manufacturing plant in Subang, West Java. Once operational in early 2026, the factory will produce up to 150,000 electric vehicles annually, strengthening the Chinese automaker’s presence in Southeast Asia.

For this project, Sarens, working on behalf of PT. Atmojo Putra Perkasa, has deployed mobile and all-terrain cranes from its Cilegon base, including an LR 1350-1 LN with a 350-tonne capacity. These units are being used to lift and install critical materials for the facility, with operations scheduled to continue until the end of 2025.

“Every project presents challenges, but our technical expertise has enabled us to anticipate and overcome difficult weather conditions while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” said Denny Boy Purba, Key Account Manager at Sarens Indonesia.