President Prabowo Launches 11 Downstreaming Projects Worth Rp180 Trillion in North Maluku

President Prabowo Subianto, Thursday (10/08), officially commenced the commercialization and groundbreaking of 11 nickel downstreaming ecosystem projects with a total investment value of US$10.2 billion, equivalent to approximately Rp180 trillion, and launched the first export of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, at the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) in Central Halmahera regency, North Maluku province.

Upon arriving at the industrial park complex, President Prabowo first inspected a number of relevant industrial facilities installed at the complex, such as battery precursor manufacturing facilities, nickel processing plants, and aluminum industrial facilities, along the route to the event venue.

Afterwards, President Prabowo also visited Tsingshan Arcadia Hotel (also known as Wisma Tsingshan, the Tsingshan corporate-focused facility used to host visiting executives, government officials, and VIP guests), to observe an exhibition booth presenting information about the IWIP industrial complex. On this occasion, President Prabowo received briefings on various achievements and developments in the industrial area, including the progress of the industrial ecosystem building and investments that have been completed or are currently under development.

Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry and CEO of Danantara, Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, in his report said that the series of projects being launched includes several industries that have reached the commercialization stage, as well as new projects that will soon begin construction.

“These projects which have been completed range from nickel-based battery materials, battery projections, aluminum electrolytes, and electric-powered heavy equipment. Meanwhile, the projects which will start after the groundbreaking include nickel-based battery materials, EV battery separators which will be the first of its kind, EV battery electronics, two electronic aluminum projects, electric-powered heavy equipment for trucks, mining, and industrial applications, and photovoltaic glass for the solar energy industry” he said.

In his introductory remarks, President Prabowo underscored that the downstreaming projects comprise four industrial projects that have entered the commercialization stage and seven new industrial projects whose construction is commencing. All these projects are part of the downstreaming ecosystem development at IWIP, aimed at increasing the added value of Indonesia’s natural resources domestically.

“Today, we will launch the first export of electric vehicle batteries. We will also launch 11 downstreaming projects, consisting of the commercialization of four industrial projects and the commencement of construction on seven new industrial projects here, at the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park,” the President said.

President Prabowo emphasized that the development of downstream industries is part of the Government’s efforts to optimally manage Indonesia’s natural wealth. According to the President, Indonesia’s natural resources must be processed and developed domestically to generate greater added value for the welfare and prosperity of the people.

“We recognize that Almighty God has bestowed upon us the blessing of abundant and highly valuable natural resources. However, we must be able to manage these resources wisely so that they can bring greater welfare and prosperity to our people and nation,” he concluded.

Also attending the event were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Sugiono, Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia, Chairperson of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry and CEO of Danantara Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas Maruarar Sirait, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Indonesian National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto, North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda, and Chairperson of Tsingshan Industry Xiang Guang Da. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/TM)