Various regulations regarding the acceleration of the use of electric vehicles in Indonesia continue to be finalized by the government. One of them is through Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 7 of 2022 concerning the Use of Battery-Based Electric Vehicles (Battery Electric Vehicles) as Service Vehicles for the Central Government and Regional Governments since September 13, 2022.
This Presidential Instruction was welcomed by several automotive manufacturers, including PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia (MBDI). As is known, Mercedes-Benz has subscribed to the presidential official car several times, now Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Ma'ruf Amin are riding the S600 Guard.
Head of Marketing Communications and Public Relations of PT MBDI, Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto said his party was enthusiastic about welcoming Presidential Instruction No. 7 of 2022. This is a great opportunity for Mercedes-Benz to sell electric cars to government agencies.
"Of course, with the Presidential Instruction, it will open up new opportunities to sell our electric vehicles to government agencies. Currently, our sales volume to government agencies is still very small, with the issuance of the Presidential Instruction, it will certainly open up new opportunities for us," said Kari, his nickname.
In particular for the electric-driven presidential car, MBDI through Kari's statement also stated its readiness to facilitate the needs required by the government. It was even explained that it would be an honor if the President chose and used an electric car made by the German manufacturer.
However, until Presidential Instruction Number 7 of 2022 was officially promulgated, there has been no discussion of specifications regarding the demand for battery-based electric cars for the president. However, MBDI ensures its readiness because this year there will be the launch of a new electric car from Mercedes-Benz.
"Our electric vehicle will be launched to the Indonesian market later this year which of course will provide additional options for the government for electric vehicles that can be purchased. Indeed, there has been no specific discussion regarding the request for a presidential car with EQ. The Presidential Instruction was only issued a few days ago so it still takes time for socialization and follow-up," added Kari.
It is believed that the Mercedes-Benz electric cars that will launch are the EQS and EQG Guard. A few months ago, Kari had stated specifically for the EQG variant that it would be released in 2024 or at the latest in 2025. The timing of the launch was also right with the planned time to move the capital city to East Kalimantan, which is in 2024.
