Top image: Photo: AntaraTV, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
President Prabowo Subianto has launched Molinas, short for Motor Listrik Nasional (National Electric Motorcycle), a government-led programme to build a domestic electric motorcycle industry backed by locally processed nickel batteries. The launch took place on 13 August 2026 at the production facility of electric motorcycle maker ALVA in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java.
More than a single bike
Despite the name, Molinas is not one model but an ecosystem. According to Antara, it covers manufacturing and components, batteries, charging and battery-swapping infrastructure, financing, distribution, after-sales service and market uptake. The Jakarta Post reported that state-owned PT Len Industri is the lead integrator, working with the sovereign wealth fund Danantara and at least 10 national motorcycle companies that meet local-content requirements. ALVA is produced by PT Ilectra Motor Group, part of the Indika Energy group.
Mr Prabowo described the programme as a collaboration between private companies, state-owned enterprises and universities:
“Today, in my opinion, is one good example of what I call Indonesia Incorporated.” – President Prabowo Subianto, reported by Antara
The nickel angle
A central aim is to create demand for batteries made from Indonesian nickel. Indonesia holds around 46% of the world’s nickel reserves, and Rosan Roeslani – investment and downstreaming minister and chief executive of Danantara – linked the programme’s affordability directly to that resource, Antara reported:
“Molinas can be affordable and high quality, especially since we can carry out downstreaming from nickel into batteries.” – Rosan Roeslani, reported by Antara
Mr Rosan also framed the programme as a question of economic self-reliance, telling the launch that Indonesia needed to stand on its own feet in every area of economic activity, according to the Cabinet Secretariat.
Big targets from a small base
The scale of ambition is considerable. A follow-up report by Antara noted that Indonesia sells 6–7 million motorcycles a year, but only 60,000–70,000 of them – about 1% – are electric. It said 69 companies already make battery-powered vehicles, with a combined capacity of 2.511 million units a year, and that at least 10 local firms meet local-content rules. ALVA currently produces around 20,000 units a year and aims to expand to 200,000.
Antara reported a national goal of 2 million Molinas e-motorcycles, without a specified timeframe, and a longer-term target of 11 million electric motorcycles on the road by 2037. Supporters argue that the shift could cut fuel subsidy spending by Rp 82.2 trillion between 2027 and 2037 and create around 215,000 direct and indirect jobs.
What it means for buyers
Molinas does not yet change what riders can buy or how much they pay. Its practical effect will depend on the details still to come: which models carry the Molinas label, whether battery-swapping networks become widespread enough to ease range worries, and how financing schemes are structured. It also sits alongside the separate Rp 3 million purchase incentive for locally made e-motorcycles, which has yet to take effect. Buyers interested in a Molinas-affiliated bike should look for clear information on battery warranties, swapping availability in their city and after-sales coverage before committing.
Sources: Antara – Indonesia launches Molinas in push for electric vehicle self-reliance; Antara – Prabowo calls Molinas an example of “Indonesia Incorporated”; Antara – ‘Molinas’ marks new chapter in Indonesia’s EV industrialization; The Jakarta Post – Prabowo kicks off e-motorcycle ecosystem to push nickel use; Cabinet Secretariat – President Prabowo launches National Electric Motorcycle (MoLiNas)