President Prabowo Subianto officiated on Sunday, June 29, 2025 the groundbreaking ceremony of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated electric vehicle (EV) battery industry ecosystem, a collaboration between ANTAM, Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), and Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd. (CBL), in Karawang, West Java.
With an investment of US$5.9 billion, the project spans over 3,023 hectares and is projected to generate 8,000 direct jobs and 35,000 indirect employment opportunities. It is classified as one of the country’s National Strategic Projects (PSN), underlining its importance to national development and green energy transition.
“This project is a historic milestone. It demonstrates our seriousness in building an environmentally friendly energy ecosystem, which is not just an ambition, but a global necessity,” the President said in his speech.
He emphasized that the spirit of downstream industrialization is deeply rooted in the Indonesian national struggle and vision.
“The idea of downstreaming is not new,” said the President. “It has been a national aspiration since the era of our first President, Bung Karno. All our past presidents have carried this mandate, and today we realize it through this monumental effort.”
The President also highlighted Indonesia’s cooperation with global partners, particularly from China, in realizing this integrated battery industry.
“We are partnering with our friends from China. This is a colossal program − an extraordinary breakthrough. Through this, we can produce renewable and eco-friendly energy that is sought after worldwide,” he said.
In addition to the Karawang facility, the EV battery ecosystem project also includes six sub-projects being developed across East Halmahera and Karawang. The initiative is expected to not only strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global EV supply chain but also enhance the country's industrial independence by utilizing its rich reserves of strategic minerals.
Prabowo stressed that the core of national development lies in a nation’s ability to transform its natural wealth into high-value products.
“The key to developing a strong nation is the ability to process its natural resources into valuable and useful materials that drive prosperity and welfare,” he said.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, reiterated that downstreaming must be just and inclusive as well as extend beyond central government and major investors, reaching local governments and communities.
“This is not about Jakarta-based entrepreneurs operating in the regions, but about empowering regional entrepreneurs to thrive in their own land. Let local sons and daughters become masters in their homeland,” Bahlil said.
Present at the event were China’s Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong, several Cabinet ministers, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, Karawang Regent Aep Saepuloh, PT Antam President Director Achmad Ardianto, IBC President Director Toto Nugroho, and PT CBL President Director Wu Zhihui.
Already have an account? Sign In
-
Start reading
Freemium
-
Monthly Subscription
20% OFF$29.75
$37.19/MonthCancel anytime
This offer is open to all new subscribers!
Subscribe now -
Yearly Subscription
33% OFF$228.13
$340.5/YearCancel anytime
This offer is open to all new subscribers!
Subscribe now
Set up email notifications for these topics
