Indonesia’s electric motorcycle market hits a speed bump following subsidy rollback
News November 16, 2025

Indonesia’s electric motorcycle market hits a speed bump following subsidy rollback

Electric motorcycle sales plunge 50% in the first half of 2025 following subsidy rollbacks this year

**Indonesia’s Electric Motorcycle Market Hits a Speed Bump Following Subsidy Rollback**

Jakarta, Indonesia - Indonesia's burgeoning electric motorcycle market has experienced a significant slowdown in growth, with sales plummeting by 50% in the first half of 2025. This dramatic downturn follows the government's decision to roll back subsidies on electric motorcycle purchases earlier this year, a move intended to refine budget allocation but which has unexpectedly cooled consumer enthusiasm.

The Indonesian government had initially implemented generous subsidy programs to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly motorcycles, as part of its broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and promote a greener economy. These subsidies significantly lowered the upfront cost of electric motorcycles, making them a more attractive alternative to their traditional gasoline-powered counterparts. This led to a period of rapid growth in the electric motorcycle sector, with sales steadily increasing month after month.

However, citing budgetary constraints and a need to re-evaluate the effectiveness of the subsidy program, the government began phasing out these incentives at the start of 2025. The impact was immediate and profound. The removal of the financial cushion has made electric motorcycles less competitive in the market, especially considering the lower purchase price of conventional motorcycles.

Industry analysts suggest that the rollback has disproportionately affected price-sensitive consumers who were previously incentivized by the subsidies. While the long-term benefits of electric motorcycles, such as lower running costs and reduced environmental impact, remain attractive, the higher initial investment now poses a significant barrier for many potential buyers.

The dramatic decline in sales raises concerns about the future trajectory of Indonesia's electric motorcycle market and its ability to meet ambitious emission reduction targets. Manufacturers are now grappling with lower demand and are reportedly re-evaluating their production plans and marketing strategies. Some are calling on the government to reconsider its approach and explore alternative incentives that could stimulate demand without placing an undue burden on the national budget.

The situation highlights the delicate balance between government policy, economic realities, and consumer behavior in the transition to a sustainable transportation system. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Indonesia can reignite the momentum of its electric motorcycle market and stay on track towards its green energy goals.
Category: Business