President Jokowi Rides EV to Batang Industrial Estate

President Jokowi and entourages on electric sedans at Batang regency, Central Java province, Wednesday (06/08). (Photo by: BPMI Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

During his working visit to Central Java province, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (06/08) rode an electric sedan on his trip to Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KITB) of Batang regency.

“I have the opportunity to try Genesis, an electric car from Hyundai. I notice the vehicle is smooth, with no sound,” President Jokowi said.

According to the President, electric cars are part of the Government’s efforts to build a large electric vehicles (EV) ecosystem that will covers from upstream to downstream.

“From nickel mining, smelter, refinery, establishment of cathode and precursor industries, to lithium batteries for the EV and the cars,” President Jokowi said, adding that the electric battery recycling industries are also part of the Government’s plan on the EV ecosystem.

Although electric cars are expensive for the most of people at this time, President Jokowi expressed belief that the price of electric cars will be more affordable along with the development of technology in the future, especially if the car is manufactured in Indonesia.

“When everything is done from upstream to downstream, we will be able to reduce cost to the lowest and make it competitive,” he said.

For the record, the sedan is also slated to be used as official vehicles for the leaders of the G20 countries at the G20 Summit in Bali in November this year.

“The Hyundai Genesis G80 electric car will become the official car for the G20 Summit as a showcase for the cooperation of the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Korea,” the President said in last March. (BPMI Presidential Secretariat/UN) (GWH/MUR)