Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Developing a national car company will not be an easy task because it will have to compete with automotive companies that were established long ago, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said.

"It is not that easy. There are many people who are interested in it. But before building a national car firm, the availability of spare parts for 20 years should be guaranteed first. Would that be possible? They should be available for a newly-established company," he stated at Hang Nadim Airport, Batam, Riau Islands, on Monday.

The vice president made the remarks at the airport before he was scheduled to fly to Jakarta after attending the National Press Day celebrations there.

He was answering questions by reporters on the issue related to the establishment of a national car company, which was highlighted by the media in line with President Joko Widodos visit to Malaysia last week.

Kalla, who is also an automotive businessman, pointed out that to establish a national car company now, the availability of spare parts for a period of 20 years should be guaranteed. It has also to spend capital every year to be able to compete.

"If you want to build a national car firm now, you have to guarantee the production of spare parts for 20 years," he reiterated.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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