Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Kartika Wirjoatmodjo is advocating regulations to encourage electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Indonesia to switch from the commonly used lithium-based batteries to nickel-based ones.
"We are pushing for regulations for Indonesian EV factories, including car manufacturers, to shift from lithium-based to nickel-based batteries," he stated after attending the 2025 International Battery Summit in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Wirjoatmodjo explained that SOEs have engaged in electric vehicle battery projects, such as joint projects with CATL and Huayou, and called for increased investment in the midstream industry.
"Many factories operating in Indonesia are currently lithium-based. We want support from other ministries to provide incentives for the shift to nickel-based batteries in Indonesia," he remarked.
At the event, the deputy minister noted that global battery demand is projected to reach 8,800 gigawatt hours (GWh) by 2040, making the supply chain a vital factor in meeting this demand.
He stated that Indonesia can capitalize on this momentum by securing raw material supplies, improving supply chain efficiency, and establishing strategic partnerships and collaborations.
On June 29, 2025, President Prabowo inaugurated the ANTAM-IBC-CBL consortium's integrated electric vehicle battery industry ecosystem project at the Artha Industrial Hills (AIH) area in Karawang.
This battery industry project is a collaboration between PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam), Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), and the CATL, Brunp, and Lygend (CBL) consortium.
This electric vehicle battery project is being developed from upstream to downstream with six subprojects, five located in East Halmahera and one in Karawang.
As part of the National Strategic Project (PSN), the project's investment value reaches US$5.9 billion, covering an area of 3,023 hectares, with potential to create up to eight thousand jobs and develop 18 infrastructure projects, including a multi-function dock.
The project's energy sources include a 2x150 MW coal-fired power plant (PLTU), an 80 MW gas-fired power plant (PLTG), a 30 MW waste heat generator, and 172 MWp of solar power—including 24 MWp at the Karawang plant.
