The six-day annual electric vehicle (EV) exhibition in Jakarta, which concluded on 4 May, presented developments in EV adoption in Indonesia, with some analysts noting possible future cooperation with China.

Featuring 143 EV brands from countries including China, Japan, and South Korea, the Periklindo Electric Vehicle Show (PEVS) 2025 recorded an increase in visitor attendance and transaction volume. The event was organised by Periklindo in collaboration with Asiabike Jakarta.

The exhibition included four-wheeled, three-wheeled, and two-wheeled electric vehicles. Automobile brands from China included BYD, Chery, Denza, DFSK, Seres, and Wuling, which are currently sold in several major Indonesian cities and were among the most displayed at PEVS 2025. Other brands present included BMW, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Morrish, Mini, and Prestige.

Periklindo General Chairman, Moeldoko, stated that he expected more provincial governments to adopt EVs for operational use, which could lead to broader regional adoption. During the exhibition, several local representatives announced plans to acquire electric passenger vehicles, buses, and waste collection vehicles.

"Although the market conditions are not favourable at present, there are still business opportunities across various segments of the electric vehicle ecosystem, including B2B, B2G, and B2C," said Daswar Marpaung, President Director of Dyandra Promosindo, on 3 May.

He mentioned that the provincial government of Bali had begun using EVs in an effort to address air quality concerns in the region.

Ching Chuen Chan, Special Adviser to Periklindo and Founder of the World Electric Vehicle Association, stated that the organisation is pursuing its aim of increasing global EV usage.

"China is currently able to produce electric vehicles at lower costs, due to the completeness of its supply chain," he told members of the media. Chan, who has previously received recognition from 'Global View Magazine' and 'Asiaweek', has offices in multiple locations, including Hong Kong. He said he advised Periklindo to examine China's experience in order to support the development of EV manufacturing in Indonesia.

Chun Hendarto, Founder and Chairman of SEVIA (Seres Vehicle Indonesia Community), said that many residents of Indonesian cities prefer smaller EVs, which are easier to use in densely populated residential areas with narrow streets.

Danis Dwi Rochman, a Sales Executive at BYD, stated that the brand is experiencing growing interest in Indonesia. He added that BYD is considering introducing smaller models tailored to the domestic market.

"Many consumers tend to start with compact vehicles. If they find them suitable, they may consider transitioning to larger models. This trend is also reflected in BYD's approach," Rochman said during the exhibition.

Angela Chang, a Sales Representative for Chinese electric motorcycle manufacturer Yuntong Power, said the company would increase its marketing activities in Indonesia after PEVS 2025, citing the country's large population and the size of its youth demographic. She also noted that the company's products have seen sales activity in Vietnam.

Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is among the most congested and polluted cities globally. It has approximately 22 million registered vehicles, with motorcycles comprising nearly 80% of the total.

Muhammad Reza Rahmaditio, of the Trade and Supply Chain Emissions division at the World Resources Institute, said that China may play a role in Indonesia's supply chain development, industrialisation, and the implementation of environmentally oriented industries.

Considering Indonesia's substantial nickel reserves, Rahmaditio supported increased Chinese involvement in domestic nickel processing for EV battery manufacturing. He agreed with Moeldoko's view that Indonesia continues to face difficulties in building an adequate charging infrastructure for EVs across the country.

Chan noted the importance of nickel in battery production and stated that other materials can also be used for the same purpose.

Periklindo, established in 2021 through a presidential regulation, seeks to support the development and use of battery-powered vehicles in Indonesia. One of its stated goals is to strengthen Indonesia's position in EV battery production by leveraging its nickel resources.