Indonesia inaugurated on Thursday, June 19, 2025 its largest and first integrated solar cell and module manufacturing facility, PT Trina Mas Agra Indonesia (TMAI), located in the Kendal Industrial Park, Central Java.

The opening ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, who underscored the government's firm commitment to accelerating the development of new and renewable energy (NRE) technologies through domestic industrial capacity building.

“This factory represents a significant leap in our national energy transition efforts. It proves that Indonesia can become a manufacturing base for high-efficiency solar technology, reducing our dependence on imported components,” Agus said while addressing the inauguration ceremony.

Lokita Prasetya, Deputy CEO of PT TMAI, said the solar panel factory is a result of collaboration between global and national energy giants − Trina Solar Co Ltd, PT Daya Sukses Makmur Selaras (a subsidiary of PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa, part of the Sinar Mas Group), and PT PLN Indonesia Power Renewable.

The facility carries an investment of over Rp1.5 trillion (US$93.75 million), absorbing around 640 skilled workers and offering technical training to uplift competencies in solar cell and module production.

“The factory is equipped with the latest i-TOPCon Advanced technology, allowing the production of high-performance solar panels rated up to 720 Wp per unit, with an efficiency level of 23.2 percent, the highest in its class,” Prasetya cited.

Largest manufacturing capacity

PT TMAI’s integrated facility is now the largest of its kind in Indonesia, with a production capacity of up to 1 GW per year, placing the nation firmly on the global map of solar manufacturing. The plant can also produce some of the largest solar modules in the world, giving Indonesia a competitive edge in the international solar energy market.

“We expect this facility to play a pivotal role in supporting Indonesia’s solar energy supply chain, and more broadly, in the clean energy transition,” Ooi Kok Tiong, Director of TMAI, said.

He said further that the factory is not just an economic asset, but a strategic investment designed to promote industrial downstreaming, including the development of domestic capabilities in wafer and ingot production, and polysilicon smelting − creating a full-spectrum, localized supply chain.

Economic impact and sustainability

The TMAI factory is expected to deliver broad economic benefits. During the investment phase, it will contribute approximately Rp3.7 trillion (US$231.25 million), and upon full operation, it is projected to generate Rp1 trillion (US$62.5 million) annually, potentially driving an 8 percent economic growth per year in its sector.

“This is more than just a factory; it is a catalyst for green economy development, energy independence, and sustainable human capital in Indonesia,” Ooi emphasized.

Ferry Salman, Managing Director of Sinar Mas, praised the collaboration in support of the energy transition campaign.

“We welcome this momentum as we look forward to growing an independent and globally competitive solar industry ecosystem in Indonesia,” Ferry said. “The government’s encouragement for EBT [new and renewable energy] solutions like solar power is highly commendable.”

Energy sovereignty

The establishment of TMAI’s integrated facility aligns with Indonesia’s target of reducing reliance on imported energy components, increasing self-sufficiency, and transitioning to clean energy sources. It also plays a central role in achieving the nation’s sustainability targets, helping to lower carbon emissions while advancing the use of renewable resources.

This effort is also seen as part of a broader plan to empower domestic industries, bolster local content in renewable energy projects, and open up long-term employment and technology transfer opportunities for Indonesian workers and engineers.