"The development of EVs is crucial in preserving the environment, as it can help us lower greenhouse gas emissions, expedite the energy transition, decarbonize the land transportation sector, achieve the zero emissions target, and fortify ASEAN's energy resilience," he remarked here on Saturday (September 2).
The minister made the statement at the ASEAN Climate Forum 2023, an agenda item for ASEAN under the chairmanship of Indonesia this year. Indonesia is scheduled to host the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta from September 5-7.
During the 42nd ASEAN Summit, which was held in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, in May 2023, the ASEAN countries produced the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Developing Regional EV Ecosystem to affirm the region's resolve to play a significant role in the global EV industry.
By issuing the declaration, countries in ASEAN have agreed to cooperate in developing the EV ecosystem by improving related infrastructure and charging stations, as well as creating an enabling business environment and investment climate to attract investment.
Furthermore, ASEAN countries have also agreed to optimize the production and utilization of sustainable materials and resources to achieve higher value creation in the EV supply chain in the region and promote the use of renewable energy in the region.
Minister Hartarto reiterated that Indonesia has a crucial role in developing the EV industry ecosystem from upstream to downstream, adding that the government is aiming to achieve the target of producing 600 battery-based electric cars and 2.45 million battery-based electric motorbikes by 2030.
According to the minister, Indonesia's success in reaching the target is expected to lower carbon emissions by 3.8 million tons.
"Hopefully, this forum will focus on building comprehensive frameworks for achieving the net-zero emissions 2060 target, realizing an affordable energy transition, as well as formulating decarbonization strategies and sustainable financing schemes," he remarked.
Indonesia's determination to develop a suitable ecosystem stems from the belief of President Joko Widodo, who envisions ASEAN as one of the leading actors in the global EV industry. Moreover, ASEAN is projected to have an estimated EV market value of US$2.7 billion in 2027.
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Translator: Bayu S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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