Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia is optimistic that Indonesia will play a pivotal role in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, owing to its abundant natural resources. “As the world discusses green energy and green industries, Indonesia has a comparative advantage that few other countries possess,” Bahlil stated during the Repnas National Conference & Awarding Night in Jakarta. He explained that Indonesia holds a significant portion of the world's nickel reserves, with American Geological data indicating that the country has 20% of global nickel reserves as of 2023. More recently, however, this figure was revised to between 40% and 45%. Nickel is a crucial component in the production of electric vehicle batteries, making it vital in the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Bahlil emphasized that approximately 60% of an electric vehicle comprises components, while 40% is its battery. Notably, nickel constitutes 80% of the battery's raw materials, alongside manganese, cobalt, and lithium. While Indonesia possesses significant reserves of nickel, manganese, and cobalt, it lacks lithium. He underscored that these resources position Indonesia strategically in the global supply chain for electric vehicles and green energy technologies. In response to international pressures regarding its raw material exports, Indonesia has halted the export of nickel ore. “People criticize us to reconsider our policies on allowing nickel ore exports,” Bahlil noted. Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan emphasized the significance of a lithium battery anode material factory in Kendal, Central Java, stating that it would enhance Indonesia’s stature globally. He expressed confidence that the production capabilities of this factory, which can produce 80,000 tons of anode material annually, will position Indonesia competitively against China, which currently produces 100,000 tons per year.
Source: https://kaltim.antaranews.com/berita/224041/industri-mobil-listrik-dunia-bergantung-pada-ri
