The 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) ended with a record-breaking number of visitors but lower sales transactions compared to the previous year.

According to data from the Association of Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers (Gaikindo), a total of 485,569 people attended the 11-day automotive exhibition, a 6-7 percent increase from last year's 475,084 visitors.

“We saw approximately 6 to 7 percent growth. We’ll be announcing the final figure tomorrow night,” Gaikindo Chairman Yohannes Nangoi said after the closing ceremony, as quoted on Monday, August 4, 2025.

Despite the surge in foot traffic, overall transaction value declined a reflection, industry insiders say, of waning consumer purchasing power. The economic downturn and a more cautious middle class have prompted a shift from buying to browsing.

“Looking at transaction figures, it seems there’s been a drop. The economic situation is obviously having an impact,” Nangoi said.

While deals may have dipped, GIIAS 2025 served as a popular leisure escape for many Indonesians, offering cold air conditioning, sleek cars on display, and free entertainment all without pressure to make a purchase.

More than 60 global automotive brands participated, including 40 passenger vehicle brands, four commercial vehicle makers, 17 motorcycle brands, and four bodybuilders.

The exhibition also welcomed over 120 automotive support industry players, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “GIIAS is not merely a sales exhibition,” Gaikindo Vice Chairman and GIIAS 2025 Organizing Chairman, Rizwan Alamsjah, said.

“Every year we receive varying reports from exhibitors, some with higher, other with lower transactions. That’s normal. What’s important is that we meet or exceed previous benchmarks to help propel the national automotive industry,” he added.

This year’s event also showcased 54 new car models and cutting-edge automotive technologies, including world, Asia, and Indonesia premieres, as well as four futuristic concept cars.

Rizwan added that crowd control was a top priority due to the surge in visitors. “The enthusiasm this year was phenomenal. Every hall from 1 to 11 was packed. But we were very mindful of ensuring visitors' comfort and safety throughout the exhibition,” he said.