Jokowi Inaugurated the Lithium Battery Anode Factory for EV Ecosystem
- Muchlis Jr - Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden
Jakarta, VIVA – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Wednesday (August 7) has inaugurated a lithium battery anode factory located within a special economic zone in Kendal, Central Java, in the hopes of strengthening Indonesia's electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.
In his speech, the head of state highlighted that the first phase of the factory's development had been completed within only 10 months since the signing of a cooperation agreement in Beijing, China, in October last year.
"I've repeatedly said that fast-moving countries will prevail over slower ones, and we have now emerged among the former category," the President remarked during the inauguration ceremony followed online from Jakarta.
The head of state also praised Indonesia BTR New Energy Material for its potential capacity to produce as many as 80 thousand tons of battery anodes per year in the factory.
Peresmian masuknya komoditas nikel dan timah ke SIMBARA di Kemenkeu
- Antara
President Jokowi expressed optimism that the completion of the second phase of the factory's development would double the company's productivity, which, in turn, is expected to enable Indonesia to supply batteries for approximately three million electric cars every year.
It's reported that the first phase of the factory's development was carried out with an investment of US$478 million. Once the next phase is completed, the factory is projected to lead Indonesia to become the second-largest producer of lithium-ion batteries.
President Jokowi acknowledged that Indonesia is still importing natural graphite from Africa to produce anodes.
However, the country is relying on a refinery managed by its own oil and gas company, Pertamina, in Riau to supply artificial graphite.
"As for lithium, we're importing it from Australia. Indonesia can independently supply other requisite materials, such as cobalt, manganese, and nickel, though. By processing all the materials into products of higher value, Indonesia will be a prominent player in the global supply chain," he emphasized.
