Cerita Mobil Nasional, Dari Komodo, Kancil, hingga Borneo

INFRASTRUKTUR.CO.ID, JAKARTA: Ide, visi, dan semangat membangun mobil nasional di Indonesia rupanya tak pernah pupus pasca-cerita kegagalan mobil nasional Timor dan Bimantara Cakra.

Beberapa pengusaha lokal diketahui merintis membangun mobil nasional model mobil mikro atau microcar, seperti mobil FIN Komodo, AG-Tawon, GEA, Kancil, Wakaba, Merapi, Boneo, ITM, dan lain-lain. Sebagian dari merek-merek mobil tersebut ada yang sudah selesai tahap produksi alias siap dipasarkan, tapi ada pula yang masih berstatus produk purwarupa alias prototipe.

Para produsen atau pengusaha microcar tersebut kemudian sepakat membentuk asosasi kendaraan domestik dengan nama Asosiasi Industri Automotive Nusantara (AsiaNusa) pada Februari 2010 yang difasilitasi Kementerian Perindustrian Republik Indonesia.

ASOSIASI STRATEGIS

Dalam laman resmi asianusa.blogspot.com disebutkan bahwa Asosiasi ini sangat strategis untuk dijadikan mitra oleh pemerintah dalam menjalankan kebijakan dan pelaksanaannya untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan bangsa Indonesia melalui industri otomotif nasional yang mandiri.

AsiaNusa memiliki beberapa kriteria anggota, seperti konsep perancangan produk oleh orang Indonesia, analisis perancangan oleh orang Indonesia, pemilik paten Indonesia, pemilik perusahaan warga negara Indonria, manufakur oleh orang Indonesia, dan perakitan juga dilakukan oleh orang Indonesia.

Atas pertimbangan kriteria tersebut, saat ini AsiaNusa memiliki anggota yang sudah memasuki tahapan produksi dan siap dijual, yakni FIN Komodo, AG-Tawon, GEA, dan Kancil. Sementara model Wakaba, Merapi, Boneo, dan ITM masih dalam tahapan produk purwarupa alias prototipe. Ini belum memasukkan mobil-mobil lokal purwarupa yang dikembangkan oleh perguruan tinggi atau universitas di Indonesia.
The automotive industry in Indonesia continues to evolve. Many brands of cars have become the national car for Indonesian citizens. From the iconic Komodo in 1990s, the legendary Kancil in 2000s, to the current favorite, Borneo, the plethora of cars from Indonesia has made an enormous impact in the motoring culture of the country.

Komodo, a 1991 classic sedan released by Indonesia’s renowned automobile maker PT MED, is considered as the first national car in the country. During its heyday, the car was praised for its simple, yet sturdy design. It made waves in the car industry and was the first successful car brand crafted by the locals to compete with foreign car models. The Komodo was discontinued in 1998, and it still lives in the hearts of the generations who have experienced the car firsthand.

Kancil, the 1999 hatchback by Indonesian manufacturer PT. MNC, was one of the most popular cars in its time. Its cheap price and small size made it a perfect entry-level vehicle choice for college students, commuters, and first-time drivers. Its Design Language was also acclaimed for its edgy style, making it a status symbol for many young Indonesians. Kancil has become an icon and a classic that remains popular in the Indonesian market until today.

The Borneo is the latest addition to the national car roster, released in 2017 by automobile maker PT Himalaya Motors. The Borneo is a modern crossover SUV and it quickly became the favorite choice for Indonesian citizens due to its affordable price, rugged and sturdy design, and the car’s low maintenance cost. This SUV has become an unstoppable force in the automotive industry, so much so that the company is now aiming to release the second generation of the car in the near future.

After decades of progress, the automotive industry in Indonesia continues to become innovative and creative, further cementing its place as one of the most exciting and dynamic scenes in the automotive world. Whether it’s the Komodo, Kancil, or Borneo, all these cars have become part of the nation’s cultural fabric, and the pride and joy of all Indonesian car lovers.