I am delighted to be part of Indonesia’s journey to net-zero, and I look forward to seeing the outcome of this partnership with VKTRJakarta (ANTARA) - The B20 Indonesia Reception supported the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between PT Vektr Mobiliti Indonesia (VKTR) and UK startup Britishvolt to develop a greener supply chain in battery manufacturing.
The signing -- held in London, the United Kingdom, on Wednesday (March 23) -- shows B20 Indonesia’s commitment in an effort to accelerating its ambition to achieve the net-zero target by 2060, according to a release issued by PT Bakrie & Brothers Tbk received here on Thursday.
The Business 20, or B20, is an outreach group from the G20 that represents the international business community.
VKTR is a spin-off of Bakrie Autoparts, a subsidiary of PT Bakrie and Brothers (BNBR), which has over four decades of experience in the automotive component industry.
"VKTR is pleased to have signed the MoU with Britishvolt and looking forward to collaborating with Britishvolt to develop a greener supply chain in battery manufacturing," Chairman and Founder of the Bakrie Centre Foundation Anindya Bakrie remarked.
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"The support of VKTR for this partnership is part of the commitment of Bakrie Group, on its 80th anniversary for the group, to embark on a new chapter focusing on 3Cs ... Climate, COVID-19, and Capital trends. VKTR will support the energy transition in Indonesia while being mindful to not adversely impact people," he stated.
The MoU-signing event is also conducted to launch the establishment of VKTR International, a subsidiary of VKTR, which will act as the group initiative in the UK in some areas, including research and development and digital technology solutions related to the electrification of transportation.
"The launch of VKTR International also shows our contribution to research and development, which covers institute and fellowship programs as well as innovation laboratories to enhance the state-of-the-art technology for electric transportation," Anindya stated.
Bakrie, concurrently chairman of VKTR, initiated VKTR’s global initiatives to enable development across institutional lines where professionals, companies, and officials around the world can come together and improve research and development on electric mobility.
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CEO of Britishvolt Orral Nadjari expressed confidence that Indonesia has an enormous, unprecedented opportunity that will grow global investment into the country as it becomes the world leader.
"I am delighted to be part of Indonesia’s journey to net-zero, and I look forward to seeing the outcome of this partnership with VKTR," Nadjari noted.
Meanwhile, Executive Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Arsjad Rasjid noted that the chamber welcomed the partnership between VKTR and Britishvolt.
"As Executive Chairman of Kadin, I welcome the announcement of the partnership between VKTR and Britishvolt to advance the energy transformation in Indonesia. Kadin supports VKTR International in creating breakthroughs and concrete action to contribute to achieving the net-zero target by 2060," he remarked.
"I am confident that the partnership between VKTR and Britishvolt, through its world-class expertise, can assist B20 Indonesia and KADIN in achieving that vision for the people of Indonesia," he affirmed.
Following KADIN’s earlier annual mission to the UK in October 2021 for key activities in London – Oxford – Glasgow for COP26, KADIN has launched a Net Zero Hub to further accelerate the net-zero transition in Indonesia and taken this at the centre of KADIN’s new leadership.
The net-zero transition has been one of the top priorities for G20 and B20 advocacy.
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In March, Kadin and B20 kick start the Future of Mobility in a
Net Zero World forum in collaboration with partners and look to turn climate ambitions into actions with international partnerships in the electrification/EV space.
The B20 Indonesia Reception held at the Indonesian Embassy in London was opened by Indonesia’s Investment Minister, Executive Chairman of Kadin, and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Kadin.
The reception convenes leading executives, partners of Indonesia, and government representatives for deeper dialogues on the challenges and opportunities that arise while transitioning to a low carbon economy.
The cooperation between VKTR and BV will cover some areas of the battery supply chain sectors. The first phase will focus on establishment of the nickel sulphate facility in Indonesia to ensure the supply of UK battery production.
This will be followed by a study to further develop a battery giga-factory in Indonesia and/or any other locations that are deemed necessary. The investment will reach up to US$2 billion by 2027.
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At the B20 Reception, Indonesian Ambassador to the UK Desra Percaya stated that the Indonesian Embassy is pleased to host the B20 Indonesia’s Reception and MoU signing between VKTR and BritishVolt.
"I believe that achieving the net-zero target can only be done collectively. As we live on the same planet, it is urgent to start addressing the problem and not only think about the solution to climate change but also take deliberate actions," Ambassador Percaya remarked.
Indonesia's Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia at the B20 Reception expressed delight to welcome the partnership between VKTR and Britishvolt.
"This (partnership) demonstrates what the two countries, Indonesia and the United Kingdom, can do together to contribute to humanity and for a better living. I will make sure that both companies have our utmost support," Minister Lahadalia stated.
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Reporter: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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