Minister of Investment and Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia announced that the investment value realization from 18 companies in the Batang Integrated Industrial Zone (KITB), Central Java, has reached approximately IDR 14 trillion. These companies have already employed 19,000 workers. Speaking at the Inauguration of the Operational Batang Integrated Industrial Zone on Friday, he highlighted the target to employ 250,000 workers within the next 10 years.
He mentioned that by September 2024, a South Korean company, LG, will build a cathode factory as part of the electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem. The feasibility study for this project is set to be completed by August 2024, and the cathode production will begin soon after. Bahlil emphasized that the establishment of the cathode production facility will integrate the upstream and downstream development of the EV battery ecosystem. This will include a precursor smelter for battery cell development in North Maluku and battery cell production in Karawang, West Java. Additionally, the KIT Batang will host high-tech industries and labor-intensive MSMEs, such as footwear and shoe manufacturing. He noted that the only remaining infrastructure need is a port, which is already under tender by Pelindo, focusing on the breakwater and channel.
