Indonesia launches first EV battery plant in Southeast Asia
Indonesia launched its first electric vehicle (EV) battery plant on July 3, which is also the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (right) speaks with Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Chung Eui-sun (center) during an inspection of the battery and electric vehicle manufacturing plant by PT Hyundai LG Indonesia-Green Power in Karawang, West Java. (Photo: AFP/Indonesian Presidential Palace)
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia launched 🎃its first electric vehicle (EV) battery plant on July 3, w꧙hich is also the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
The plant, located in Karawang city, West Java, belongs to PT HLI Green Power, a joint venture between Indonesia’s Battery Corporation and Korean manufacturers Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution (LGES).
With an investment of 1 billion USD, the plant can produce up to 10 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery cells every year to provide to 150,000 EVs.
PT HLI Green Power is expected to spend 2 billion USD to raise the plant's capacity to 20 GWh.
The plant is part of a 9.8 billion USD EV battery deal signed between Indonesia and LG in 2020.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Indonesian President Joko Widodo emphasised that the opening of the factory marks a new chapter demonstrating Indonesia's desire to become a global partner in the EV supply chain.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan affirmed Indonesia's readiness to be a key player in the global EV supply chains.
Indonesia has the world's largest nickel reserves and the reserves of iron, copper, and bauxite which are important components of EV batteries./.
Indonesia has suggested US electrical vehicle (EV) producer Tesla to build an EV battery plant in the country, Indonesia's coordinating Minister of investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said on May 20.
Indonesia will be able to cut the domestic prices of electric vehicles (EV) by up to 30% by taking the initiative to manufacture its own EV batteries, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said as reported by the national news agency Antara.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
