automotive

The Ministry Of Industry Is Training Motorcycle Workshops In Merauke To Boost The Automotive Sector

The transportation equipment industry is really picking up steam, and it needs support from various sectors, especially the automotive repair industry for vehicle maintenance as part of after-sales service. Right now, a lot of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the automotive repair sector are growing alongside the rising demand for two-wheeled vehicles, which have become the go-to mode of transport for people in both rural and urban areas. "SMEs in the two-wheeler repair sector play a crucial role in providing maintenance and repair services for motorcycles, especially in areas that lack access to official manufacturer workshops," said Reni Yanita, the Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), in a statement on Monday (August 5). To boost the technical skills and management capabilities of SMEs in the transportation repair sector, the IKMA Directorate General of the Ministry of Industry held a Workshop to Enhance the Quality of Transportation Repair SMEs from July 29 to August 1, 2024, in Merauke, South Papua. The workshop saw participation from 20 two-wheeler repair SMEs and 20 speedboat repair SMEs in Merauke. The IKMA also collaborated with the South Papua Cooperative, SMEs, Trade, and Industry Office, the Merauke District Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs Office, and received support from SMK Negeri 3 Merauke and the Kumbe District Malind repair SME for hands-on practice for the participants. In the transportation equipment industry, motorcycles continue to be a favorite among Indonesians, including those in Merauke. According to data from the Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association (AISI), motorcycle sales in the country reached 6.23 million units in 2023, marking a significant increase of 19.44 percent compared to 2022. AISI is targeting motorcycle sales this year to be around 6.2 to 6.5 million units, reflecting optimism about sustained market growth and continued high demand in the country.

Meanwhile, Reni pointed out that the rise in motorcycle demand should go hand in hand with the growth of quality motorcycle repair shops. Motorcycles definitely need regular maintenance and repairs to keep their engines running smoothly. "We're encouraging repair shops to provide top-notch services," she said. Reni also mentioned that to be considered quality, a service must meet certain standards. It's hoped that motorcycle repair shops will deliver services that align with these standards, ensuring customers continue to rely on them. With a wide distribution of quality workshops, motorcycle owners in various areas, even remote ones, can easily access the maintenance and repair services they need. "The role of these small industries in this sector not only supports the smooth operation of motorcycles but also helps equalize access to automotive services across regions. With the increasing number of motorcycles each year, motorcycle repair shops have significant potential for growth," Reni emphasized. The same potential is seen in the speedboat engine repair shops in Merauke. The frequent use of boats requires adequate and regular engine maintenance to prevent breakdowns. This maintenance and repair service for boat engines represents a promising market for speedboat repair shops. "Workshops for 20 speedboat repair shops focus on educating them about the use, maintenance, and repair of boat engines," explained Dini Hanggandari, Director of Metal, Machinery, Electronics, and Transport Industries. This technical knowledge is also expected to be possessed by the boat captains and crew. This way, they can handle repairs directly if issues arise at sea, like engine failures or breakdowns while out on the water.

Tag: Automotive Sector IKMA Merauke Motorcycle