PT Hyundai LG Indonesia (HLI) Green Power, based in Karawang, West Java, is set to make history in Indonesia's automotive industry by commencing mass production of the first electric vehicle batteries in the country. The commercial production of electric vehicle batteries is scheduled to begin in April 2024, marking a significant milestone not only for Indonesia as the first Southeast Asian nation to produce such batteries but also solidifying the government's commitment to supporting the development of the electric vehicle battery ecosystem, a grand package valued at USD 9.8 billion or approximately IDR 142 trillion.
During a visit to PT HLI Green Power on February 21, 2024, Tina Talisa, Special Staff at the Ministry of Investment/BKPM, highlighted the government's focus on downstream development under President Joko Widodo's leadership. The emphasis on downstream activities aims to add value to abundant natural resources in Indonesia, particularly nickel. Tina emphasized the integration of the entire process, from mining to smelting, purification, processing, precursors, cathodes, to battery cells, making it the world's first integrated investment in electric vehicle batteries. The integrated process encompasses mining, smelting, purification, processing, precursor production, cathode production, and the final battery cell manufacturing. This approach positions Indonesia as the first producer of electric vehicle battery cells in Southeast Asia, utilizing the latest LG technology. This not only supports the local workforce but also creates opportunities for Indonesian engineers to become pioneers in electric vehicle production in the region.
