Minister Luhut Pandjaitan Highlights Collaboration in Battery Development for Electric Vehicles

INTI- Jakarta. Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut B. Pandjaitan, provided his insights during the launch of the Battery Asset Management Services on Monday (June 12, 2023). The launch marked the collaboration between Indonesian and Chinese state-owned enterprises in battery development in Indonesia.

"This is part of the government's efforts to promote energy transition towards Net Zero Emissions by 2060. We have initiated various programs, including the electrification of vehicles," stated Minister Luhut. The government has also introduced assistance programs aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Indonesia.

Concerns from the public revolve around the availability of infrastructure such as Battery Swap Stations and Charging Stations. "Therefore, it is crucial for all of us to continue working together and innovating to create efficient and effective solutions," emphasized Minister Luhut.

"This collaboration is a significant step towards accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. Through this partnership, Indonesia can leapfrog in creating a better electric vehicle ecosystem without undergoing the learning curve in electric vehicle development," he added.

The establishment of a favorable ecosystem will also contribute to increased investment in the electric vehicle supply chain. With a feasible volume of electric vehicles, investors will see investment in Indonesia as promising. Inflows of investment will drive economic growth and act as a catalyst for job creation and the utilization of local raw materials.

During the event, two memoranda of understanding were also signed between Indonesia and China. The current collaboration focuses on the development of Battery-Based Electric Vehicle (BBEV) industrial ecosystems and a joint study on battery exchange systems for heavy equipment used in mining and ports.

Minister Luhut also mentioned that the state-owned electricity company, PLN, currently has an excess capacity of 5 gigawatts (GW), which is planned to be taken by one of the aluminum investors. "In the future, PLN's finances can become more organized and structured," said Minister Luhut.

This serves as a good model for collaboration that should be replicated not only in the Electric Vehicle sector but also across other sectors. "I am confident that with this cooperation and innovation, we can move faster towards cleaner and more sustainable energy," concluded Minister Luhut. ***.Hans