Pindad: From Military Weapons to Electric Vehicles

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PT Pindad, an industrial and manufacturing company involved in making military and commercial products in Indonesia, was founded in April 29, 1983.

In 1950, Pindad was originally named Pabrik Senjata dan Mesiu (PSM) or Weapon and Gunpowder Factory and run by the military. In 1983, it was renamed into Pindad under the guidance of the Strategic Industry Management Office (BPIS).

However, in 1999, it was renamed again into PT Pakarya Industri before turning into PT Bahana Pakarya Industri Strategis. In 2002, it was disbanded by the government and retained the name PT Pindad under ministerial guidance.

Pindad has produced an array of military products ranging from guns to vehicles. Among them are the SS1 assault-rifle, the Pindad SP-1 rifle, the SMB-1 machinegun, Pindad revolver guns, the Pindad APR-1V, the Water Cannon M1W-40, and close combat tactical vehicle the Pindad Maung.

Having successfully crafted military products, Pindad recently laid eyes on electric vehicles by launching the prototype of electric motorcycle MotoEV, which is 100 percent made in Indonesia with self-produced components

The MotoEV has been planned to be mass-produced in the country and even sold worldwide.

"We expect the products, especially this electric motorcycle, can be marketed both locally and globally," said Pindad Business Strategy Director Syaifuddin in a press conference on Saturday, November 19, 2021.

The Pindad MotoEV is equipped with a 5kW electric motor and can run as fast as 120 km/h with an average engine speed of 2,675 to 3,858 rpm. It also has a 72V lithium battery that can cover 100 km. The battery only requires three to four hours to be fully charged. The MotoEV boasts IP57 protection and claims to be able to traverse terrain with 30% or 16 degrees of slope gradient.

The MotoEV was introduced for the first time in the international race on Mandalika Circuit, Lombok. Pindad will develop its frame and body and is looking into possibilities of partnership in its development.

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DICKY KURNIAWAN