Indonesia has officially launched a massive $5.9 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery project aimed at strengthening the country’s energy independence and accelerating its role in the global EV industry, according to the state-run Antara news agency, reports Energy Terminal.
The project, named the Integrated Electric Vehicle Battery Industry Ecosystem, is being developed by a consortium that includes state-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM), Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), and the China-based CBL consortium, which includes major battery players CATL, Brunp, and Lygend.
President Prabowo Subianto laid the foundation stone at a ceremony held on Sunday in Karawang, West Java, at the Artha Industrial Hills area.
The project will be developed across the entire battery value chain and includes six subprojects—five located in East Halmahera, North Maluku, and one in Karawang. Covering an area of 3,023 hectares (7,470 acres), it has been designated as one of Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects (PSN).
The initiative is expected to create around 8,000 jobs and lead to the development of 18 supporting infrastructure projects, including a multifunctional port.
With the world’s largest nickel reserves, Indonesia is strategically positioned to become a key player in the EV battery market. Nickel is a crucial raw material for the production of EV batteries, and this project is seen as a significant step toward leveraging the country’s natural resources for long-term economic and energy goals.
