"Electric cars are part of the national strategy. The key technology that exists in electric cars is battery," Sumule stated here on Wednesday.
Sumule called for halting lithium battery imports in an attempt to prevent foreign parties from dominating the domestic market when electric cars are mass produced.
"We should not import the battery. As a result, if we want to gain mastery over things related to energy, we just need to develop the necessary equipment," he emphasized.
In addition to meeting the needs of the main components of electric vehicles, he stated that the development of raw materials for lithium batteries would strengthen the structure of the domestic automotive sector.
"I am optimistic that we would be able to master the technology, particularly for lithium batteries. If we can master the technology, we can cater to the needs," Sumule remarked.
With the development of electric cars, he called for the need to build supporting industries and encourage their growth, including to fulfill the need for vehicular components within the country.
"The industry can also develop how it produces raw materials," he added.
Translator: Azis Kurmala
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
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