The President Director of PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara, Joao Angelo De Sousa, has unequivocally stated that the company will not proceed with the use of imported Indian pickup trucks should the Indonesian government and Parliament (DPR) decide against their authorization. This decisive statement comes in direct response to a request from Deputy Speaker of the House, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, who urged the government to postpone the planned import of 105,000 pickup vehicles from India until President Prabowo returns to the country.
Speaking to reporters at the Agrinas headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday, De Sousa underscored his profound commitment to national interest. “If this truly serves the people’s interests, I would not hesitate even for a moment, even if it means facing lawsuits or issues from our suppliers. That is my responsibility, and I will embrace it, bearing all its consequences,” Joao declared. His words highlight a strong resolve to prioritize the nation’s welfare over potential contractual disputes.
De Sousa further confirmed that even units of the vehicles that have already arrived in Indonesia – estimated to be around 1,000 – will remain unused if a prohibition from the government and Parliament is issued. “For the units that have already arrived, we will remain fully compliant and obedient to the government and DPR, as they represent the people. If they instruct us not to use them, we simply will not,” he reiterated, emphasizing Agrinas’s adherence to official directives.
Acknowledging the potential for contractual penalties or other repercussions with suppliers, Joao articulated a proactive approach. He stressed that any such issues would be thoroughly discussed with the suppliers to jointly identify the most optimal solutions. “So, if problems do arise, I will certainly sit down with our suppliers to find a resolution, and it will undeniably be the best possible solution,” he explained, indicating a collaborative strategy for dispute resolution.
In a move to ensure a balanced and comprehensive understanding of the situation, De Sousa also expressed his intention to seek a meeting with Sufmi Dasco. During this meeting, he plans to present all relevant documents and contracts. “I will request time with Mr. Dasco to convey these documents and my contracts, because perhaps until now he has only heard one side. I will certainly seek his time, and I am 100 percent loyal, faithful, and obedient,” he affirmed, aiming to provide a complete overview of Agrinas’s position.
This development follows Agrinas Pangan’s prior agreement to procure 105,000 light commercial vehicles from two prominent Indian automotive manufacturers. The initial agreement involved Tata Motors, which committed to supplying 70,000 units. This batch comprises 35,000 units of the Yodha PU model and 35,000 units of the Ultra T.7 truck. Additionally, Agrinas placed an order for 35,000 units of the Mahindra Scorpio Pik Up from Mahindra, completing the substantial import plan.
Summary
PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara’s President Director, Joao Angelo De Sousa, unequivocally stated that the company will not use imported Indian pickup trucks if the Indonesian government and Parliament (DPR) prohibit their authorization. This commitment directly responds to Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad’s request to postpone the import of 105,000 vehicles. De Sousa affirmed Agrinas’s unwavering loyalty to national interest and government directives, even if it entails potential issues with suppliers. He confirmed that even the estimated 1,000 units already in Indonesia will remain unused if a ban is imposed.
Agrinas had previously agreed to procure 105,000 light commercial vehicles from two Indian manufacturers, including 70,000 units from Tata Motors and 35,000 units from Mahindra. De Sousa plans to meet with Sufmi Dasco to present all relevant documents and contracts, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their position. He also stated that any potential contractual penalties with suppliers would be discussed to find the most optimal resolutions.