TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Industry Minister Saleh Husin hoped that PT Esemka Solo could cooperate with PT Proton Malaysia in the development of national cars.

Saleh Husin made the statement in the sideline of the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Industry Ministry with Surakarta City Government on the establishment and development of textile products and textile industry academic community in Solo.

For the record, cooperation between PT Proton with PT Citra Adiperkasa Lestari has sparked speculation that they would manufacture national cars.

Many then questioned the fate of Esemka car as a national car that was once promoted by the then Solo mayor Joko Widodo.

Minister Saleh said that the development of automotive industries must also take into account the development aspect after the selling stage.

The minister also explained that Esemka automotive products must have supports in temrs of human resources and financial aspects.

"As for Esemka, we certainly give our supports to continue finding new innovations. And we must also bear in mind that to establish an automotive industry, we must have a long-term plan. It’s not only a matter of how to manufacture them, but also how to market them,” he said.

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