Ministry of Industry Reluctant to Monitor Ford

I Gusti Putu Surya Wirawan, Director General of Metal, Machinery and Means of Transportation Industry (under Ministry of Industry) said that the Ministry is reluctant to monitor PT Ford Motor Indonesia after its exit from Indonesia. “Ford is not an industry. We are not obliged to monitor them,” said Putu at Bunga Rampai Restaurant, Tuesday, February 2, 2016.

According to Putu, the Ministry of Trade is the one responsible for monitoring Ford’s operation as it was only operated in selling. When asked about a consumer’s lawsuit against Ford, Putu said that the Ministry has yet to receive the letter.

“Consumers may file lawsuit to (Ministry) of Trade. It’s in the Consumer Protection Law,” said Putu.

Putu said that Ford is allowed to sell their products in Indonesia even without industry. According to her, Ferrari and Lamborgini has been operating that way in Indonesia.

Putu underlined that Ford is entitled to exit Indonesian market. “Ford is free to sell their products. There is no pressure. If the operation is not profitable, it (Ford) will no longer operate here.”

The decision of Ford Motor Indonesia (FMI) to leave Indonesia dissapoints consumers. One of them is David Tobing. He has officially filed a lawsuit against Ford Motor Indonesia (FMI) to the South Jakarta District Court. Ford is deemed to have violated Article 7 paragraph b of the Consumer Protection Law which states that businesses must provide true, clear and honest information regarding the state of their products as well as to provide explanation on its usage, repair and maintenance.