Indonesia’s Electric Motorcycles: A New Era for the Nation’s EV Industry

For decades, the sound of petrol engines has dominated Indonesia’s streets. Now, that is changing. The launch of the "Molinas" electric motorcycle marks a major step forward in the country’s push to build its own electric vehicle (EV) industry. Molinas, short for "motor listrik nasional" (national electric motorcycle), is designed and produced locally. The goal is simple: reduce reliance on imported fuel and create jobs at home. This new bike is not just a product. It is a symbol of Indonesia’s ambition to move up the industrial ladder. Instead of only assembling foreign designs, the country wants to design, engineer, and manufacture its own EV components. The government has set clear targets. It wants more electric vehicles on the road by 2030. To support this, it is offering incentives for buyers and building charging infrastructure. But challenges remain. The price of electric motorcycles is still higher than petrol models. Also, the network of charging stations is limited outside major cities. Still, industry experts see the Molinas as a turning point. It proves that Indonesian factories can produce advanced technology. If successful, this could attract more investment and open doors for exporting EVs to other Southeast Asian markets. The road ahead is not easy. But with the Molinas, Indonesia has started its engine—quietly, but with a clear direction.