Ministry of Trade's Suggestions for AHM and Honda Motorcycle Owners Regarding the Issue of Weak eSAF Frames

Dream - The issue of the enhanced Smart Architecture Frame (eSAF) frame breaking from one of PT Astra Honda Motor's (AHM) motorcycle products has caught the attention of the government. AHM representatives have provided an explanation to the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) through the Directorate General of Consumer Protection and Trade Order (PKTN) regarding the issues with one of their products.

Acting Director General of PKTN Kemendag, Moga Simatupang, said that his institution has the authority to provide guidance and education to ensure the fulfillment of business obligations as well as the protection and recovery of consumer rights.

"In this case, consumers whose eSAF frames are damaged," he said as quoted from Liputan6.com, Monday, August 28, 2023.

Moga stated that Kemendag has asked AHM to always prioritize consumer rights as part of consumer protection. On the other hand, Kemendag also asked consumers to contact Astra Hindar Motor's customer care or visit AHM's official workshops regarding the eSAF issues they are facing.

"Consumer protection will continue to be improved as a form of government presence in protecting Indonesian consumers. Consumers whose eSAF frames are damaged can report directly to AHM through various available channels," said Moga.

In the meeting, AHM Production Director David Budiono reported that AHM had received several complaints from consumers who experienced difficulties with the use of Honda motorcycles with eSAF frames, and these issues had been resolved at AHM's official workshops.

Regarding Honda products used by consumers that experience corrosion and breakage, AHM has conducted an investigation that revealed the motorcycle frame broke due to frequent exposure to seawater. However, the motorcycle in question is an old product and not an eSAF frame. The consumer has already repaired the motorcycle themselves.

"The issue of what appears to be rust sticking to the motorcycle frame that has been complained about is actually silicate that functions to coat the welding results. This helps prevent oxidation or rust on the frame and makes the welding results more optimal," he explained.

David explained that Honda motorcycles using eSAF frames have been produced domestically since 2019 and have passed testing processes by regulatory agencies, and have even been exported to several countries.

"In the production process, this is something normal and not dangerous. New motorcycle owners don't need to worry because it doesn't affect the comfort and safety of riding," David explained.

Controversy Over Easy-to-Break eSAF Frame, Honda Claims Sales Remain High

Dream - Ahmad Muhibbuddin, the General Manager of Corporate PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM), claims that the issue of the enhanced Smart Architecture Frame (eSAF) frame being easily broken, rusted, and fractured does not affect the sales performance.

This is evidenced by the high number of orders from consumers for various types of Honda motorcycles produced by AHM.

"So far, it hasn't affected sales," he said as quoted from Merdeka.com, Wednesday, August 24, 2023.

"The demand is still okay, still high," he added.

Ahmad stated that the issue of the eSAF frame is a challenge for AHM to be more responsive in addressing consumer complaints.

AHM continues to provide clarification and education regarding the issues that arise through various social media channels they have.

"We try to provide explanations that Honda motorcycles have undergone tests that can provide consumer safety and comfort. If there are complaints, we immediately proactively address those issues," he emphasized.

Allegations of the weak structure of eSAF have gone viral after many Honda eSAF users complained about this issue on social media. 

For information, the list of Honda motorcycles that use eSAF frames includes Honda Genio (2019), Honda Beat (2020), Honda Beat Street 2020, Honda scoopy (2020), Honda Vario 160 (2022).

Citing internal AHM data, total Honda motorcycle sales in Semester I-2023 reached 2,550,452 units. The majority of sales came from the automatic scooter (skutik) segment.