Indonesia’s leading synthetic leather manufacturer, PT Simnu, is reinforcing its position in the public transport segment with the launch of Bolzano Altera, a new material designed specifically for buses and trains. Combining durability, safety and hygiene features with a distinctive wood-texture finish, the company is targeting growing demand for high-performance seating materials across Southeast Asia and beyond.
As public transport operators continue to seek durable, safe and cost-effective interior solutions, Indonesian synthetic leather specialist PT Simnu is expanding its portfolio with products tailored to evolving market requirements. Speaking at Busworld Southeast Asia 2026 in Jakarta, David Natael Taryadi, Sales & Marketing, PT Simnu, shared insights into the company’s latest product developments, market position and growth strategy.
Based in Bandung, PT Simnu has established itself as a leading manufacturer of synthetic leather in Indonesia, serving a diverse range of industries including automotive, public transport, interiors and fashion. With over three decades of experience, the company has built a strong reputation in the transportation sector, supplying synthetic leather materials for bus, train and passenger vehicle seating applications.
“Today, PT Simnu is the number one synthetic leather manufacturer in Indonesia,” said David. “We have six production lines with a total production capacity of about three million metres per year. We started in 1991, so we have been in this business for more than 30 years.”
Launching Bolzano Altera
A key highlight for PT Simnu at Busworld Southeast Asia was the launch of Bolzano Altera, a new synthetic leather material developed specifically for public transport seating applications.
Unlike conventional designs, Bolzano Altera features a distinctive wood-texture surface, offering a fresh aesthetic while retaining the durability expected in demanding transport environments. The material has a thickness of 1.4 mm and has been engineered to meet the operational challenges faced by bus and rail operators.
“This product is specially developed for public transport,” explained David. “The new product uses a wood texture, which is different from the conventional Nappa texture commonly seen in the market.”
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Beyond aesthetics, the product incorporates several functional features aimed at enhancing passenger safety and comfort. These include anti-crack properties, fire-retardant characteristics and antibacterial protection.
“We are using an anti-crack formulation, so the material can withstand temperatures down to minus 20 degrees Celsius,” he said. “We are also using fire-retardant technology, which is very important for public transport applications. In addition, the antibacterial formulation helps maintain hygiene, especially because buses often operate continuously and are not cleaned every day.”
The new product follows the company’s earlier Bolzano range, which featured a thicker 1.65 mm construction. According to David, Bolzano Altera has been developed to offer a competitive balance between performance and cost in an increasingly price-sensitive market.
Deep Roots in the Transport Industry
PT Simnu’s products are widely used across Indonesia’s public transport ecosystem. Rather than supplying directly to bus bodybuilders, the company primarily works with seat manufacturers that provide complete seating solutions to coachbuilders and vehicle manufacturers.
“We supply to seat makers, and all the major seat manufacturers in Indonesia are already using our products,” said David.
The company’s synthetic leather is produced using PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a material that remains widely accepted across Asian markets due to its durability and suitability for tropical climates.
According to David, while polyurethane (PU) materials are preferred in Europe and North America, they are not always ideal for Southeast Asian conditions.
“In tropical countries, PU is not always convenient because it can crack more easily,” he noted. “We do manufacture PU products as well, but our main focus remains PVC-based solutions.”
Expanding Beyond Indonesia
Although Indonesia remains PT Simnu’s largest market, accounting for approximately 80 per cent of its business, the company has steadily expanded its international footprint.
Its export markets currently include Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, among others.
“Malaysia is currently our biggest export market, particularly for automotive and interior applications,” said David.
The company’s growing regional presence reflects the increasing demand for specialised transport seating materials that can withstand intensive daily usage while meeting safety and durability requirements.
Competing Through Quality and Consistency
Like many manufacturers across Asia, PT Simnu is navigating a challenging global business environment marked by economic uncertainty and intense competition from low-cost imports.
David acknowledged that Chinese suppliers continue to exert pressure on pricing across multiple segments. However, he believes PT Simnu’s focus on quality, service and reliability provides a sustainable competitive advantage.
“This year is very challenging because of the global situation and competition from Chinese products,” he said. “Our strategy is to focus on service, trust and product consistency.”
He added: “We are playing in the medium- to high-end segment. Transportation customers require higher specifications and greater durability. That is where we differentiate ourselves.”
The company is also taking steps towards more sustainable manufacturing practices. PT Simnu’s products are already phthalate-free and do not contain metal-based ingredients, helping customers meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements in various markets.