The Indonesian industry association ‘NMAA’ participated in the Osaka Auto Messe 2024
One unique Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX was spotted at the Osaka Auto Messe (OAM) 2024. It was a mix of parts made in Japan but not seen in the Japanese aftermarket, and wore a unique pattern of vinyl graphics. What is NMAA? And what is the present and future of the Indonesian custom scene? We introduce the NMAA with a talk by its representative, Andre Mulyadi.
OAM as seen by the representative who also organizes custom car events in Indonesia
NMAA (National Modificator & Aftermarket Association) is Indonesia’s largest custom and tuning industry association, established in 2016 to foster a healthy customization culture, with afterparts manufacturers and other members. Since 2018, it has also organized a custom car event called IMX (Indonesia Modification & Lifestyle Expo). Indonesia’s custom scene has grown rapidly over the past few years, and the NMAA is probably the main reason for this.
A cooperative relationship exists between the NMAA and the Osaka Auto Messe, and this is the fifth time the NMAA has exhibited at the show. Representative Andre says that when he came to Osaka Auto Messe seven years ago, he was met with many surprises.
“First of all, I was surprised that so many people came to a custom car event. It was shocking to see visitors queuing up and waiting for the doors to open. It was also impactful to see the wide range of age groups, from children to the elderly. In Indonesia, custom cars are very popular among the pinpoint age group of 15 to 30 years old, so I think that if more generations enjoy custom cars in Indonesia as they do in Japan, the industry will flourish even more.”
“We want to learn from Japanese technology and develop excellent Indonesian tuners”
As seen in the IMX event scene, Indonesian custom cars are of high quality as show cars, and more and more parts are made in Indonesia. However, many Indonesian customizers enjoy the appearance of their cars, and in terms of tuning and performance enhancement, Andre says that Japanese customization is still more advanced.
“In Indonesia, customization is mainly for show-up, with an emphasis on appearance, and customization in terms of functionality, such as engine tuning, is not yet as good as in Japan. Of course, we have parts, but we also have a strong desire to learn from Japanese technology and develop excellent Indonesian tuners.”
Currently in Indonesia, customization of diesel SUVs such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner, which are popular models in the country, is popular. This is probably due in large part to the fact that people want to enjoy appearance-oriented customization with the vehicles they have at hand.
Vinyl graphics using the traditional design ‘batik’
The Lancer Evolution IX on display at the show was the customized vehicle that won the number one position at the IMX in 2022 and is a fusion of Japanese and Indonesian parts. The striking vinyl graphics are based on ‘batik’, a traditional Indonesian fabric.
The exterior finish incorporated in this car is of the highest quality of Indonesian customization techniques and is a particularly proud point of the car’s Indonesian elements, says André.
The headlights, which also feature daytime running lights, are Indonesian-made items. Up close, they are of a high degree of perfection and are no match for Japanese customized parts. He said that in Indonesia, the technology for customized parts such as these for exterior and electrical systems is advanced and that these parts can be proudly shown off to other countries.
The engine uses mainly parts from HKS and Tomei Powered, with a 2.3-litre engine and an HKS GT III turbine for 600 hp.
Award presented to KUHL JAPAN’s R35 GT-R
This year, the Osaka Auto Messe has newly invited Andre to help cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony and has also prepared a new award, the NMAA Favourite Proper Modified Car, to decide which car was the best among the exhibited cars.
The winner of this award, which was held for the first time, was KUHL JAPAN’s R35 GT-R. We asked André why he chose it.
“The new body kit was very inspiring and impressive. I thought the linear design was fantastic, as no one else seemed to have thought of it. That was the main reason for the award.”
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It has been seven years since his first visit to the Osaka Auto Messe, but Andre still seems to be inspired by the Japanese custom scene. This interview gave us the impression that the relationship between Osaka Auto Messe and NMAA will deepen and that the custom scene in both Japan and Indonesia will continue to stimulate each other in the future. The future of the Indonesian customization scene is also something to keep an eye on.
translated by DeepL