SOE Minister: Indonesia Ready to Become Major Player in EV Industry

Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir attends the trial of electric car in Bali, Saturday (02/01). Photo by: PR of Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises

Indonesia is ready to become a major player in electric vehicle (EV) industry, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir has said.

“I have ordered the PLN (state electricity company) to improve services to communities and change its business strategy after the pandemic. Thank God, the PLN is on-track and has joined the consortium of State-Owned Enterprises to produce electric vehicle batteries in collaboration with companies from South Korea and China,” the Minister said during the trial of electric car in the resort island of Bali, Saturday (02/01).

Erick added that he would also explore cooperation with Tesla, an electric car manufacturer from the United States.

The fact that Indonesia is one of countries with the largest nickel resources in the world, Erick added, supports the country to become a major producer of car battery resources.

On that occasion, Erick also said that the PLN had conducted trials driving an electric vehicle from capital Jakarta to Bali.

“The electric vehicle has been tested by the PLN team from Jakarta to Bali. The trip usually costs Rp1.1 million for the gasoline. With an electric vehicle, it only costs Rp200,000,” he said, adding that the electric vehicles are also expected to reduce Indonesia’s fuel imports

Erick went on to say that electric vehicles will also bring benefits to the environment, adding that this is in line with the Government’s mission to promote sustainable economic development.

“Electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly. The resulting emissions are lower than vehicles that use fuel oil, thus reducing air pollution and noise pollution,” he said. (PR of Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises/UN) (RI/EP)