Yudhoyono calls for integrated policy on automotive field

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he had instructed his cabinet ministers to formulate an integrated policy on the automotive field in relation with road infrastructure, the environment, and motoring comfort and safety.

"I have instructed related ministers to respond to the rapid development of the automotive industry with appropriate policies and actions to overcome excesses or problems brought about by the progress," Yudhoyono said at a function to commission an additional car assembling plant of PT Daihatsu Motor in the Sunter area, North Jakarta, on Tuesday.

The president had asked the ministers of transportation, economy, trade, industry, energy and mineral resources, public works, environment, as well as the National Police chief to make a policy and take integrated measures in relation with the rapid development of the automotive industry.

"There should be an integrated policy to match the rapid development of the automotive industry with good environment, road infrastructure, and motoring safety ," Yudhoyono said.

He also asked automotive companies in the country to continue to develop their business for the improvement of the Indonesian economy and the welfare of the industry`s workers.

"The automotive industry is expected to grow significantly," Yudhoyono said, adding that it was a milestone in the development of the real sector.

Daihatsu Motor`s assembling plant located on a 7.2-hectare plot of land was expanded to meet demand in the national automotive market which was estimated to reach 425,000 cars in 2007 and to meet demand in the international market.

After the plant`s expansion, Daihatsu planned to increase its production capacity from 97,000 cars to 211,000 cars annually. Daihatsu planned to continue to raise its production capacity to reach 250,000 cars in the future.

Meanwhile, Astra Daihatsu Motor`s Vice Presdient Director Sudirman MR said the plant`s expansion had cost around Rp1.2 trillion.

"The newly expanded plant employs 2,250 workers, so the total number of the plant`s employees is 8,250 ," Sudirman said.