Made-In-Indonesia Bike Startup's Sales Skyrocket after Jokowi Buys Two Units

KOMPAS.com – President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo has unintentionally pushed sales of a Made-in-Indonesia folding bike through the roof soon after he ordered a unit for himself and another for First Lady Iriana Widodo.

Bicycle manufacturing startup Kreuz now has to deal with the surge in orders, but they're not complaining.

Just before the VIP purchase, times had been good for Kreuz as the newfound mania for cycling throughout Indonesia due to the Covid-19 pandemic kept demand for the company’s trademark folding bikes going.

Now word about the bikes has gone to the top following news of Jokowi being one of its  customers.

“[Jokowi] ordered the [bikes] discreetly through his staff, before coverage by Kompas.com and other media outlets overwhelmed us with orders,” said Kreuz founder Jujun Junaedi.

Also read: Coronavirus: More Cyclists to Keep Fit, Bike Sales Boom in Indonesia

“Like other customers, Jokowi waited in line with everyone else and made a down payment. He ordered a full bike painted red and white [after the Indonesian flag] for himself and First Lady Iriana Widodo.”

He declined to say the cost of the bike, which cost up to Rp. 8 million [USD$545] depending on customizations, on a frame with a basic price of Rp. 3.5 million.

Dok INSTAGRAM KREUZ.PANNIER Serial numbers for Kreuk folding bikes ordered by President Jokowi

Kreuz co-owner Yudi Yudiantara agreed.

“We are expected to finish the bikes ordered [by President Jokowi] next August.”

Chief of the Presidential Secretariat Heru Budi Hartono noted that President Jokowi’s purchase of Kreuz is more than a health fad.

“The President bought the [Kreuz] bikes to show his support for local products, especially those that are in demand from the public.” 

Also read: Stolen Wheels For Heroes Bike Sold Online in Indonesia: London's Brompton

“Most of all, President Jokowi is interested in Kreuz’ design as it is as good as Brompton bikes, but at a fraction of the price and is made in Indonesia. He also took up bicycling to stay healthy, especially in the Bogor Presidential Palace.”

Heru added that Jokowi’s support for Kreuz is vital as the bicycle market in Indonesia is still dominated by imported products.

Like Bromptons, Kreuz’ bikes have a maximum weight of 110 kilograms for the rider. They also claim to make 10-15 bikes a month and are fully booked, with waiting lists stretching to February 2021.

(Writer: Bandung Conributor Reni Susanti | Editor: Glori K. Wadrianto)

Sources:

https://lifestyle.kompas.com/read/2020/07/16/130103820/jokowi-ikut-pesan-kreuz-sepeda-brompton-asal-bandung-warna-apa?page=all#page2.