Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inauguration of Hyundai LG Indonesia (HLI) Green Power Factory, in Karawang Regency, West Java Province, July 3, 2024
Journalist
What are your thoughts on building an integrated ecosystem for electric vehicles, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, I said earlier that our natural resources are plenty and abundant, but if they are not managed to obtain high-added value, they will deplete. They will be sold in the form of raw materials. Therefore, once again, I appreciate Hyundai and LG’s investment and decision to build the first largest EV battery cell factory in Southeast Asia. I appreciate Chairman Chung’s decision during the pandemic to invest here so that the factory is now finished and running for production. I hope that the capacity will continue to increase yearly so we can penetrate into the global supply chain. This is not only for EV batteries but also for other parts so that we can produce semi-finished products, at least, or finished goods as we see here right now. The ecosystem starts from raw materials to smelters, cathodes, precursors, EV battery cells, and electric vehicles, all of which can be processed in our country. I hope that in the future, there will be investments that will also do the same thing so that we can increase the added value. I also appreciate the Republic of Korea that continues to encourage investment in Indonesia. Today, Minister Jeong, Minister of Trade, was also present, marking the good relations between Indonesia and Korea.
Journalist
Sir, on another issue, the PDN. Has [the performance of] Minister of Communications and Informatics been evaluated?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, we have evaluated everything. The most important thing is a solution must be found so it doesn’t happen again. Our national data must be backed up so that if something like this happens, we are not surprised. This also happens in other countries, not just in Indonesia.
Journalist
What do you think about the pressure on the Minister of Communications and Informatics to resign?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Everything has been evaluated.
Journalist
Sir, PKS (Prosperous Justice Party) told us that you are interfering in Jakarta regional election. What is your thought on this issue, sir? Did you offer Kaesang’s name?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Regional election is a matter for political parties. The issue of nomination is also their business. I am not a party leader or owner, so don’t ask me that question.
Journalist
How about Kaesang, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I have never submitted any name to anyone or any party. Please ask them yourselves.
Journalist
Has the Government set a schedule for simultaneous regional elections, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Please ask the KPU (General Elections Commission).
Journalist
Is the Presidential Regulation being prepared, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Please ask the KPU.
Journalist
Thank you, sir.
(GWH/MMB)