Ministry of Industry Appreciates Local Automotive Modifiers for Bringing Innovation and Culture to the International Arena

Jakarta, INTI – The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) expressed its appreciation for the achievement of the National Modificator & Aftermarket Association (NMAA) in participating in the Osaka Auto Messe (OAM) modification exhibition in Japan on February 10-12, 2024.

In addition to showcasing the creativity and innovation of the nation's children, the participation of local modification industry players in the international arena also carries the mission of introducing Indonesian culture.

"I am very optimistic that the goal of Indonesian modifiers to appear at this prestigious event will play an important role in accelerating the growth of the modification-based automotive industry in the country," said Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita in Jakarta, Sunday (11/2).

Furthermore, according to the Minister of Industry, the automotive modification industry sector, which is increasingly popular at the moment, has provided added value and a multiplier effect on the development of the domestic aftermarket vehicle components industry. Especially those on a small and medium scale (IKM).

"The development of this modification-based automotive industry also has an impact on increasing vehicle sales nationally. Moreover, the modification industry is a sector that has been proven to be able to open up quite a lot of jobs, so that it can certainly boost the national economy," he explained.

In supporting the development of the modification industry in the country, the Ministry of Industry has initiated the issuance of the Indonesian National Work Competency Standard (SKKNI) for the Modification Vehicle Industry Sector and has prepared a Competency-Based Training Program for the Modification Industry Sector.

"This is needed to improve the competence of competent modification industry human resources, both in terms of knowledge, skills and expertise, as well as work attitudes that are relevant to their tasks," said Director General of Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment and Electronics Industry (ILMATE) Taufiek Bawazier.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Industry hopes that NMAA as an association of the modification industry can become a Professional Certification Body (LSP) for motor vehicle modification industry services, and become a forum for business actors in electric vehicle conversion workshops to support the Clean Indonesia program through the use of electric vehicles.

"As previously stated by the Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, we also challenge modifiers to support the creation of low-emission or electric-based vehicles. This is a real manifestation in accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions," he said.

This target needs to be campaigned by local modifiers at international events, such as the 2024 OAM. This prestigious exhibition has always been a platform to showcase the work of Indonesian modification and aftermarket enthusiasts since 2018.

NMAA Founder Andre Mulyadi said that the effort to bring local aftermarket products to OAM 2024 was NMAA's idea to continue strengthening collaboration with strategic partners in the Japanese modification industry.

"At OAM 2024, Indonesian and Japanese modification industry activists will open up opportunities for cooperation. Especially regarding the acceleration of the modification and aftermarket industry of the two countries. The good relationship between modification industry activists from the two countries will welcome various challenges ahead, including sharing knowledge, experience, and looking for business opportunities," explained Andre, who is also the Project Director of Indonesia Modification and Lifestyle Expo (IMX).

Carrying the campaign theme Saber Great of Indonesia at OAM 2024, this participation also marks the start of the Road to Series IMX 2024 titled 'Road to The World' which is the first. Later, it will continue to other pre-event events in various cities until the peak of the "Big Bang" event which will be held on October 4-6, 2024 at ICE BSD, Tangerang.

This year, it is the fifth time NMAA has participated in OAM 2024, bringing local aftermarket brands to showcase their product creations. "Through Saber Great of Indonesia, we bring a variety of aftermarket products such as Custom Painting results by FreeFlow Kustom, aftermarket lamp products Saber Industries, premium car WetShine, and aftermarket turbo disc rims in collaboration with Turbo Bastard Wheel and FreeFlow Kustom," said Saber Industries CEO, Vincent.

In addition, the OAM 2024 booth also featured a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR modified car made by car builder Saber Industries. During its appearance at OAM 2024, the Lancer Evo IX MR was equipped with a number of improvements in all sectors.

Especially in the body section, the 9th generation Lancer Evo sports sedan received visual graphic input from Kustom Paint artist, Free Flow. The "Colorful Indonesia" themed graphic features a Hokokai batik design applied using the hand painting and batik canting technique.

Not only bringing the best cars and products from Indonesia, but NMAA also collaborated with Shizka Prive, an Indonesian batik fashion designer, who will accompany the nation's best products by bringing Batik Temptation fashion designs that will be used by models at the Indonesian booth at the OAM 2024 event.

This collaboration between NMAA and Shizka Prive is a strategic step to further showcase Indonesian culture to the international community. The presence of batik fashion not only complements the display of modified cars and aftermarket products but also demonstrates the creativity and artistry of Indonesian designers.

The Ministry of Industry's appreciation and support for the participation of NMAA and Indonesian modifiers in OAM 2024 is a significant recognition of the growing potential of the domestic modification industry. This participation not only serves as a platform to showcase innovation and creativity but also contributes to promoting Indonesian culture on the global stage. *Hans