Workers oppose 105,000 Indian pickup imports, threatening protests, discover why this issue sparks controversy and labor unrest today.
Protests loom as labor groups argue that local industries cannot compete with imported vehicles, putting thousands of jobs at risk. The situation has quickly become a flashpoint in public and economic debates.
In this Net 4 India News | Indian News and Updat, we explore the reasons behind the fierce opposition, the potential impact on the automotive sector, and why workers are mobilizing against these imports.
KSPI Plans Mass Demonstration
The President of the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI), Said Iqbal, announced that thousands of workers plan to stage a protest demanding the cancellation of 105,000 pickup imports from India.
KSPI intends to hold the demonstration in front of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) on December 4, 2026, if their demands are not met. The protest aims to pressure authorities to halt the import plan.
The main objective is to ensure the cancellation of the planned 105,000 pickup purchases from India, Said said during a virtual press conference on Tuesday (24/2/2026).
Threats To Local Automotive Workers
According to Said, the import plan by state-owned PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara primarily benefits workers in India while threatening Indonesian employees. Local automotive workers face potential layoffs if the imported pickups reduce domestic production.
KSPI highlighted that the pickups, intended for the Kopdes Merah Putih cooperative program, put thousands of Indonesian jobs at risk. The organization stressed that domestic labor would lose contracts if production shifts overseas.
The union warned that such imports could exacerbate the unemployment crisis, which has already been significant, with 100,000 layoffs reported in 2025 in sectors like automotive and food production.
Also Read: Understanding India’s Political Landscape: Key Players and Dynamics
Economic Concerns Over Taxpayer Funds
The total cost of importing 105,000 pickups from India is Rp 24.66 trillion, which KSPI argued comes from public money. Said criticized the plan, stating that taxpayers’ funds are being used to benefit foreign labor instead of supporting local employment.
Importing these pickups threatens Indonesian workers while enriching Indian labor and using the people’s money, Said remarked. The union emphasized that the government should prioritize domestic industry.
KSPI has received numerous complaints through its Posko Oranye helpdesk from employees of Toyota, Daihatsu, Suzuki, and Hino Motor. Many expressed concern over potential layoffs due to reduced production caused by imports.
Domestic Production Could Support Jobs
Said stressed that producing the 105,000 pickups domestically would support local automotive companies and extend employment contracts for workers. Domestic manufacturing could stimulate economic growth and protect jobs.
He questioned why the government allows imports while local producers could meet demand. Using domestic plants would benefit Indonesian workers and strengthen the national economy.
Agrinas Pangan Nusantara has already signed contracts with two Indian manufacturers, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and Tata Motors, to supply 35,000 pickups each and 35,000 six-wheel trucks. KSPI argues that redirecting these orders to local factories would create far-reaching benefits.
Government And Industry Response
PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara reported that the first 200 pickups from Mahindra have arrived in Indonesia, with 400 more units scheduled for delivery in the next phase. The company aims to complete the 35,000-unit shipment by the end of the year.
Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita criticized the import plan, noting that domestic manufacturers are fully capable of producing pickups to meet national demand. He also highlighted the competitive quality of locally produced vehicles.
If all pickups are imported, the added economic value and employment opportunities will go abroad instead of benefiting Indonesia, Agus stated. The minister encouraged prioritizing domestic production to support local industry and workers.
Image Source:
- First Image from money.kompas.com
- Second Image from beritajejakfakta.id