TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Aufaa Luqmana Re A, a 20-year-old citizen, filed a lawsuit alleging breach of contract against former President Joko Widodo, or Jokowi, and former Vice President Ma'ruf Amin concerning the Esemka car in the Surakarta District Court earlier this week. In addition, the claim also targets PT Solo Manufaktur Kreasi, the manufacturer.
"[My client] intended to purchase it, but it was unavailable," Arif Sahudi, a legal representative for Aufaa Luqmana Re A, explained the basis of the suit when contacted on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
The plaintiff, a resident of Ngoresan, Jebres, Surakarta, Central Java, lodged the lawsuit alleging breach of contract with the Surakarta District Court on Monday, April 7, 2025. This legal action, undertaken by the son of lawyer Boyamin Saiman, has been officially registered under case number 96/Pdt.G/2025/PN Skt.
Arif elaborated that the lawsuit stems from his client's inability to proceed with a planned transportation service business in Surakarta due to the unavailability of the Esemka car. He mentioned that Aufaa was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by Jokowi's sons: Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the current Vice President, and Kaesang Pangarep, Chair of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI). According to him, both successfully started independent businesses at a young age.
Aufaa's business plan involved purchasing two Esemka Bima model vehicles, priced at approximately Rp150 million. This plan was reportedly thwarted because the specific car model he intended to acquire was allegedly never produced. Arif contends that Aufaa has consequently suffered potential financial losses of at least Rp300 million.
Furthermore, Arif asserted that during their presidential term, Jokowi and Ma'ruf Amin made a vow to develop the Esemka car into a national vehicle slated for mass production, especially in Surakarta. "We are demanding it. Aufaa wants to establish his business," Arif declared.
While serving as president, Jokowi inaugurated the Esemka car assembly plant located in Boyolali, Central Java, on September 6, 2019. At the inauguration ceremony, Jokowi emphasized the importance of supporting domestic products and suggested the Esemka car merited widespread adoption by the Indonesian public.
"I will not compel anyone to purchase it, but having personally inspected and test-driven it, it is indeed good. So, it is mandatory to consider purchasing it, especially if opting for imported products seems excessive," Jokowi said.
Arif went on to say that PT Solo Manufaktur Kreasi is included as a defendant because the company holds the responsibility for the production and distribution of Esemka cars in Indonesia. He added that he and his client had made several visits to the Esemka factory in Boyolali, observing that the facility seemed deserted.
"We frequently pass the factory with the intent to purchase. Should they become available, we will buy them," Arif affirmed.
Jokowi's Legal Team Yet to Receive Mandate Regarding Lawsuit
The legal team of the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, claimed that they have not yet received a formal mandate or authorization from the former president to address this breach of contract lawsuit.
Yakup Hasibuan, a member of Jokowi's legal counsel, indicated that detailed discussions concerning the Esemka car lawsuit have not taken place. "There have been no in-depth discussions [on this matter]," he stated when encountered with his team after visiting Jokowi's residence in Solo, Central Java, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
He clarified that he has not been formally appointed as legal representation specifically for this case. "Not specifically about that," confirmed Yakup, who is also the son of Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections. However, Yakup mentioned that his team is aware of the lawsuit's filing.
"Yes, we have certainly heard about it, but we haven't seen the details of the case yet. Moreover, it's still Eid holidays now," he explained.
Septia Ryanthie from Solo contributed to the writing of this article.
