TEMPO.CO, Jakartac- PT Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM) and PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM) have been suspected of involved in motorcycle cartel practice. The suspicion was raised after an investigation conducted by the Commission for the Supervision of Business Competition (KPPU). Both companies are suspected of controlling prices of 110 to 125cc Automatic Scooter products.
KPPU's investigation team, led by Frans Adiyatma, explained that they have found an electronic mail sent by YIMM President Director Yoichiro Kojima to Yamaha Indonesia marketing team.
"[Kojima] instructed the marketing team to adjust their prices in accordance with Honda motorcycle price increase," Frans said on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
The price fixing was suspected to occur following an agreement made between Kojima and Mr. Inuma, President Director of Astra Honda Motor. An email dedicated to YIMM Vice President Dyonisius Beti mentioned that "President Kojima-san has requested us to follow Honda price increase many times since January 2014, because of his promise with Mr Inuma, president of AHM at a golf course."
KPPU Chief Syarkawi Rauf said that the investigation was carried out to protect consumers and to allow consumers to purchase motorcycles at competitive prices.
In response to the allegation, Yamaha General Manager M. Masykur argued that his company had never been involved in cartel practices. "Yamaha has been doing business in Indonesia for 42 years, the company will certainly comply with Indonesian laws," Masykur stated.
ARDITO RAMADHAN | SS
