Wibowo Santosa, Indonesian Automotive Icon, Passes Away
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The Indonesian automotive community mourns the loss of Wibowo Santosa, the visionary founder of Permaisuri Ban, a highly respected rim shop in Jakarta. Santosa, known affectionately as “Bowo,” passed away unexpectedly on December 24th.
according to reports, Santosa tragically drowned while surfing in Bali. His body was recovered and transported to Siloam Bali Hospital. A family member shared, “My sister was wiht Uncle Bowo and his son this afternoon surfing, his son survived, he (Bowo) was carried away by the waves, Uncle Bowo’s son survived, Uncle Bowo reportedly wanted to save his daughter, Bianca, but in the end Uncle Bowo was not strong enough to fight the universe. Rest in Peace Uncle Bowo is very kind.”
Santosa’s impact on the Indonesian automotive scene is undeniable. Permaisuri Ban, established in 1977, quickly became a landmark for car enthusiasts, especially those involved in modifications. “Exactly on the 7th, 7th month (July) 1977, Permaisuri Ban became a branch of my parents’ Aneka Ban shop in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta,” Santosa once recounted.
The shop’s name, “Empress,” reflects its early days when it was run by Santosa’s sisters. From its initial location near the New Garden Hall cinema (now Blok M Plaza), Permaisuri Ban moved to the Radio Dalam area (now home to Aneka Speed) in 1982, finally settling at its current location on jl Mahakam 1 no. 5 in 1983.
Santosa’s influence extended beyond simply selling rims. He set trends, such as selling aftermarket rims in sets of four, reflecting international practices where spare tires frequently enough differed in size. He initially offered popular brands like Enkei Compe 8, enkei Compe Rally, and Enkei Spoke F, along with TRD, Intra, Evolution (for Mercedes-Benz), and Racing Dynamics (for BMW) in the early 1990s, before later focusing on premium VIP rims.
His legacy as a pioneer in the Indonesian automotive aftermarket will be remembered for years to come. The loss of Wibowo Santosa is felt deeply throughout the community.
Empress Ban: Jakarta’s Auto Rim Retailer Expands Rapidly
The Indonesian automotive aftermarket is seeing meaningful growth, and one company is leading the charge. Empress Ban, a retailer specializing in high-end rims, has experienced explosive expansion in a short period. Initially operating from a single location in Mahakam, South Jakarta, the company now boasts five branches across the city and surrounding areas.
The expansion underscores the increasing demand for premium automotive accessories in Indonesia.Empress Ban’s success is a testament to the growing consumer base seeking to personalize and enhance their vehicles.
A Selection of Top Brands
Empress Ban offers a diverse range of rim designs from some of the world’s most recognized brands. Customers can choose from styles by Vossen, Enkei, HRE, and volk Racing, ensuring a wide selection to suit various tastes and vehicle types. This commitment to offering top-tier brands contributes significantly to the company’s appeal and market position.
Branch Locations Fueling Growth
The five branches now operating are strategically located to serve a wider customer base. These locations include Aneka Speed Radio Dalam, Aneka putra Sentosa Tendean, Permaisuri BSD South Tangerang, and Permaisuri Sunter. This expansion strategy allows Empress Ban to reach more customers and solidify its presence in the competitive Jakarta market.
The rapid growth of Empress Ban reflects a broader trend in the Indonesian automotive market, mirroring similar expansions seen in other parts of Southeast Asia and globally. The company’s success story highlights the potential for growth in the premium automotive aftermarket sector.
“Goodbye, Uncle bowo!”
While the meaning of this statement remains unclear within the context of the company’s expansion, it serves as an intriguing aside to the overall narrative of growth and success.
Remembering Wibowo Santosa: The Man Who Shaped Indonesian Auto Enthusiasm
The Indonesian automotive community is reeling from the sudden loss of Wibowo Santosa, founder of the iconic rim shop, Permaisuri Ban. Santosa, affectionately known as “Bowo,” was a pioneer in the industry, shaping the tastes and trends of generations of car lovers. We spoke to automotive historian, Adi Budiman, to understand Santosa’s enduring legacy.
A Passion for Wheels: The Early days of Permaisuri Ban
World-Today-News: Wibowo Santosa seemed destined to be a part of the automotive world. His family’s connection to Aneka Ban laid the groundwork for his own venture. Can you tell us about the origins of Permaisuri Ban and its early success?
Adi Budiman: Wibowo Santosa’s passion for cars was evident from a young age. His family’s business, Aneka Ban, served as a natural incubator for his entrepreneurial spirit. Permaisuri Ban was born out of this passion and a keen understanding of the emerging automotive enthusiast scene in Jakarta. Established in 1977, it quickly became a haven for car lovers seeking to personalize their rides, particularly during Jakarta’s burgeoning modifikasi culture.
Setting Trends: Beyond Just Selling rims
World-Today-News: Permaisuri Ban wasn’t just a place to buy rims; it became synonymous with style and innovation in the automotive aftermarket. What were some of the key trends that Wibowo Santosa introduced?
Adi Budiman: Santosa was a visionary. he recognized that Indonesian car enthusiasts craved more than just functionality; they sought to express themselves through their cars. He dared to introduce international trends like selling aftermarket rims in sets of four, reflecting global practice were spare tires often differed in size. This attention to detail resonated with customers and set Permaisuri Ban apart. He launched popular brands like Enkei Compe 8, Enkei Compe Rally, and Enkei Spoke F early on and was instrumental in introducing premium VIP rims later.
A Lasting legacy: santosa’s Impact on Indonesian Automotive Culture
World-today-News: wibowo Santosa’s passing is a tremendous loss for the Indonesian automotive community.how will he be remembered?
Adi Budiman: Wibowo Santosa will be remembered as a true pioneer. he helped shape the Indonesian automotive aftermarket, influencing generations of enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. His legacy goes beyond just selling rims; he nurtured a community and inspired a passion for automotive customization. His passing is deeply felt,but his contributions to the industry will never be forgotten.
World-Today-News: Thank you for sharing your insights,adi.
