President Jokowi Launches Integrated Electric Battery Industry in Central Java

President Jokowi officially inaugurates the second development phase of the integrated electric battery industry in the Batang Industrial Estate (KITB) in Central Java province (06/08). (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (06/08) officially inaugurated the second development phase of integrated electric battery industry at Batang Industrial Estate (KITB) in Central Java province.

According to the President, investment of this production facility will be the first investment that will integrate upstream and downstream production process of electric vehicles (EV), including nickel mining, smelter facility, precursor factory, cathode factory, electric batteries production, battery packs production, EV production, as well as battery recycling industry.

The Head of State also thanked those involved in the collaboration so the second development phase of the integrated electric battery industry can start, adding that the industry has a high investment value and a great job opportunity for the people.

“The total amount of the investment is not a pittance. It is worth Rp142 trillion or US$9.8 billion. And I am pleased that there will be 20,000 people that can be employed. It is not a small amount. All around the world, job creation is the key,” the President said.

In addition, President Jokowi said he was glad that the industry that integrates upstream and downstream production can be built in several areas in Indonesia, including Halmahera in North Maluku province (smelter facility), the KITB in Central Java province (nickel refinery factory, precursor factory, cathode factory), Karawang in West Java province (electric battery factory), and Cikarang in West Java province (EV factory).

The Head of State also expressed hope that Indonesia will become a major manufacturing for nickel-based products considering that the country has the world’s largest nickel reserves.

“It is a great opportunity, a golden opportunity to build green economy in the future as we have planned before,” he said.

President Jokowi also ordered both the Central Government and regional governments to fully support the project realization, adding that this project will generate more state revenue and boost the economy.

“Indonesia will gain more revenues from this investment including companies’ income tax, employees’ income tax, and non-tax revenue. It will also strengthen Indonesia’s balance of trade although the balance recorded a surplus for 20 months. We hope it will trigger a new economic growth,” he remarked. (TGH/UN) (AP/EP)