Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government has set a target for the sales of battery-based electric cars to reach 50 thousand units in 2024, according to an official from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment.

"From us, the minimum target for four-wheeled (vehicles) is 50 thousand (units)," the ministry's Deputy for Infrastructure and Transportation Coordination, Rachmat Kaimuddin, stated here on Tuesday.

Kaimuddin made the statement after the opening of the Periklindo Electric Vehicle Show (PEVS) at the Jakarta International Expo.

Kaimuddin remarked that the government is aiming for a three-fold increase in the sales of electric cars in 2024 as compared to last year.

According to data from the Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers Association (Gaikindo), the sales of electric cars in Indonesia in 2023 had only reached 17,051 units.

He explained that various incentive programs provided by the government for electric cars are still valid this year until the end of President Joko Widodo's administration.

Thereafter, the results of the electric vehicle incentive programs will be evaluated to determine their continuation and will be communicated to the next government.

"Previously, we were encouraging the industry to be mature, so that more (companies) can enter. Later, we will evaluate, and of course, communicate with the next government," he remarked.

On the same occasion, Chairperson of the Indonesian Electric Vehicle Industry Association (Periklindo) Moeldoko assessed that the government is optimistic about achieving the target this year, as several producers are already selling their products in Indonesia.

"Back then, the choices were only one to two brands. Now, there are 10 brands," he pointed out.

He noted that Presidential Regulation Number 79 of 2023 on Battery Electric Vehicle Program Acceleration and other regulations are the government's concrete steps to accelerate the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem in the country.

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Translator: Farhan Arda, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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