Jakarta, IDN Times – The Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Budget Committee (Banggar), Said Abdullah, has called for the immediate cancellation of a controversial plan to import 105,000 pickup trucks from India for the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP). Abdullah asserted that this import initiative signals a fundamental misunderstanding by Agrinas’ leadership of President Prabowo Subianto’s economic philosophy and vision for Indonesia.
Abdullah elaborated that the proposed procurement of these pickup trucks is slated to utilize the State Budget (APBN), spanning multiple years. Given the APBN’s inherently limited fiscal space, he emphasized that every expenditure on goods and services funded by the national budget must be rigorously evaluated for its economic benefits and long-term value.
“While the initial purchase price from India might appear more competitive, critical questions remain about the comprehensive after-sales support,” Abdullah stated in his remarks on Wednesday (February 25, 2026). He further questioned, “Have we adequately considered the availability of spare parts, and the accessibility and reach of service workshops? When factoring in all these crucial elements, the total cost could potentially surpass the initial intention of achieving efficiency, ultimately making it a more expensive endeavor.”
1. Proposed Import of Hundreds of Thousands of Pickup Trucks Harms the National Economy 
Abdullah proceeded to detail the significant economic losses projected to arise from this large-scale import policy. According to calculations by Celios, a prominent economic think tank, the potential damages stemming from the proposed vehicle import plan are substantial. These include a staggering erosion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to IDR 39.29 trillion and a direct reduction in public income by IDR 39 trillion.
Furthermore, the Celios report indicates that this import policy would drastically cut the domestic automotive industry surplus by as much as IDR 21.67 trillion. It would also lead to a considerable reduction in labor income across the entire automotive industry supply chain, totaling IDR 17.39 trillion, and significantly depress net tax revenues by an estimated IDR 240 billion.
Abdullah further questioned the absence of communication between PT Agrinas and domestic manufacturers, such as Gaikindo (the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries). He underscored the sheer volume of the proposed imports, pointing out that procuring 105,000 commercial vehicles from abroad is almost equivalent to the entire projected domestic production of commercial vehicles for 2025. He urged contemplation of the immense benefits if PT Agrinas were to procure these vehicles domestically.
“Such a strategy would galvanize the domestic automotive industry, create new jobs, and trigger a myriad of other positive economic ripple effects across the nation,” stated the PDIP faction legislator.
2. Regrettable Mismanagement of State Budget Without Economic Benefit 
Transitioning to broader economic concerns, Abdullah lamented the utilization of the APBN without tangible benefits for the Indonesian people. He highlighted that since 2011, the growth of the country’s vital manufacturing sector has consistently lagged behind GDP growth. This trend is particularly concerning, as manufacturing is expected to be a cornerstone for developing downstream natural resource industries and a primary engine for job creation, especially for the nation’s university graduates. He pointed out the stark reality that over one million university graduates in Indonesia remain unemployed, underscoring the urgent need for robust domestic industrial growth.
By opting for the import route, Abdullah asserted that Agrinas’ leadership is effectively turning its back on the crucial imperative to strengthen national industries. He argued that domestic producers desperately require increased demand to foster more expansive growth and innovation within the Indonesian economy.
“I deeply regret seeing APBN funds expended without generating meaningful economic value-add for the people within the country,” Abdullah declared. He concluded with a firm stance: “It would be far wiser not to merely reconsider this initiative, but to cancel it outright.”
3. Agrinas CEO Claims IDR 46.5 Trillion in Efficiency 
In response to the criticism, Joao Angelo De Sousa Mota, President Director of PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara (Persero), asserted his company’s ability to achieve significant efficiencies. He claimed an impressive saving of up to IDR 46.5 trillion through the procurement of 105,000 units of pickup and light trucks from India.
This claimed efficiency, according to Mota, stems from the company’s substantial infrastructure and facilities procurement budget, which is financed by a colossal IDR 200 trillion loan secured from Himbara member banks (Association of State-Owned Banks).
“In brief, through the procurement of these facilities and infrastructure, Agrinas Pangan is poised to achieve efficiencies amounting to IDR 46.5 trillion,” Mota reiterated during a press conference at Yodya Tower, Jakarta, on Tuesday (February 24, 2026).
Mota further contended that opposition to the pickup truck import primarily originates from individuals, rather than from the government or the public at large. He posed a rhetorical question: “Who exactly is opposing this? As an SOE (State-Owned Enterprise), I am bound to obey the government and remain committed to both the government and the people. Our loyalty lies solely with the state and its citizens, not with specific individuals or particular groups.”
Nevertheless, Mota assured that if the government ultimately decides to halt the pickup truck imports, Agrinas would unequivocally comply with the directive.
“As long as the state supports our endeavors, we will proceed. However, if the state and the House of Representatives instruct us to cease, we will halt, fully accepting all the risks I have previously outlined,” Mota concluded, emphasizing his company’s adherence to governmental decisions.
Summary
The Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Budget Committee, Said Abdullah, has urged the immediate cancellation of Agrinas’ plan to import 105,000 pickup trucks from India for the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih. Abdullah argued that this initiative, which uses the State Budget, misunderstands President Prabowo’s economic vision and could lead to higher overall costs due to inadequate after-sales support. Economic think tank Celios estimated significant losses, including a IDR 39.29 trillion erosion of GDP and a IDR 21.67 trillion reduction in the domestic automotive industry surplus, emphasizing the harm to national industry and job creation.
Abdullah expressed regret over the use of State Budget funds without tangible economic benefits for the country, particularly given the large volume of imports almost matching domestic production. Conversely, Agrinas’ President Director, Joao Angelo De Sousa Mota, claimed the import would achieve IDR 46.5 trillion in efficiency. Mota stated that Agrinas, as a State-Owned Enterprise, is bound to obey the government and would comply if the government or DPR ultimately instructs them to halt the imports.