"In 2025 or 2026, Indonesia to have EV cars manufactured by the children of the nation," Pandjaitan stated during a seminar in Jakarta on Thursday.
The minister noted that there are various EV players, representing half of the global production volume, that are interested in Indonesia.
One of the international EV manufacturers that showed interest to develop EV in Indonesia is Geely, which is one of the top EV manufacturers from China.
"We spoke to Geely months ago, and the climax is we offered joint research to establish EV in Indonesia two days ago," Pandjaitan revealed.
According to the minister, Geely greatly welcomes the offer to conduct joint research on EV with Indonesia.
He spoke of having reported to the president about Geely's interest, and the president welcomed and approved it.
"Currently, we are discussing technical matters, and the president agreed to it," he remarked.
According to Pandjaitan, now is the best time for Indonesia to own and develop EV as the creation of the children of the nation since the global transition from conventional to electric vehicles is occurring at a rapid pace, and the sales share of EV surpasses the critical point.
Global EV sales could grow rapidly after exceeding the critical point of 5-10 percent.
EV adoption is moving faster because of the multiplier effect of individuals or groups using new innovations, products, or technologies before they are used by the wider population, also known as early adopters.
The manufacturing sectors also had a critical point of 10 percent of total sales from EV sales and then EV sales could triple.
"When else will we have an EV car made in Indonesia? Hence, we will do research together, and we will take a leapfrog," Pandjaitan stated.
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Translator: Yoanita Hastryka Djohan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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