The formation of this association was initiated in 1982, spearheaded at that time by PT Mega Eltra/Cat Utama, now known as PT Sigma Utama, with Mr. Dedi Krisna as chairman. The association was initially named Gabungan Pengusaha Industri Cat Indonesia (GPICI), which in English was called the Indonesian Paint Manufacturers Association (IPMAY).

On January 11, 2005, during the leadership of Mr. Adiwan Johanli (from PT International Paint), the association changed its name to Asosiasi Produsen Cat Indonesia (APCI), with the notarized deed dated August 18, 2005.

After Mr. Adiwan’s tenure at International Paint ended, there was a leadership vacancy until the next General Assembly of APCI members, when Mr. Mara Amikal from PT Sigma Utama was appointed as Chairman, with an updated notarized deed dated February 28, 2013.

Following Mr. Mara Amikal’s resignation from PT Sigma Utama, APCI once again faced a leadership vacancy. Around February 2018, an agreement was made to appoint Mr. Judirzal from Abadi Coatings as caretaker Chairman to fill the position temporarily.