Cilegon Mayor Confirms EV Battery Plant Construction Continues Despite Intimidation Allegations
Cilegon (ANTARA) - Cilegon Mayor Robinsar has confirmed that the construction of the national strategic project (PSN) for an electric vehicle battery plant owned by PT Chandra Asri Alkali (CAA) will continue despite alleged intimidation by a business figure who demanded participation in the project without a tender process.
"As a result of yesterday's meeting, thankfully, the incident has not affected CAA's position or decision. CAA will continue with its investment construction," said Robinsar in Cilegon on Thursday, responding to questions about the outcome of a limited meeting with Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Deputy Head of BKPM Todotua Pasaribu in Jakarta.
The statement was in response to a viral video circulating online that recorded alleged intimidation by a figure from the Cilegon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) against foreign business operators involved in the project, including a demand for a Rp5 trillion project allocation without a tender process.
Robinsar said the meeting, which was also attended by the Governor of Banten, the Banten Regional Police Chief, the Banten Provincial and Cilegon City Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office (DPMPTSP), as well as the national and regional chambers of commerce, concluded that the PSN project construction would proceed.
"Secondly, there needs to be law enforcement — that was conveyed by the Regional Police Chief. This will be followed up promptly with summons," he said.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the investment climate and regional security. "Everyone must safeguard the climate and stability. Local entrepreneurs will, God willing, be involved," he said.
Robinsar added that he had instructed all his staff not to obstruct investor access to Cilegon. He called on all parties to play an active role in maintaining stability and supporting incoming investment that drives regional economic growth.
"As a result of yesterday's meeting, thankfully, the incident has not affected CAA's position or decision. CAA will continue with its investment construction," said Robinsar in Cilegon on Thursday, responding to questions about the outcome of a limited meeting with Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Deputy Head of BKPM Todotua Pasaribu in Jakarta.
The statement was in response to a viral video circulating online that recorded alleged intimidation by a figure from the Cilegon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) against foreign business operators involved in the project, including a demand for a Rp5 trillion project allocation without a tender process.
Robinsar said the meeting, which was also attended by the Governor of Banten, the Banten Regional Police Chief, the Banten Provincial and Cilegon City Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office (DPMPTSP), as well as the national and regional chambers of commerce, concluded that the PSN project construction would proceed.
"Secondly, there needs to be law enforcement — that was conveyed by the Regional Police Chief. This will be followed up promptly with summons," he said.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the investment climate and regional security. "Everyone must safeguard the climate and stability. Local entrepreneurs will, God willing, be involved," he said.
Robinsar added that he had instructed all his staff not to obstruct investor access to Cilegon. He called on all parties to play an active role in maintaining stability and supporting incoming investment that drives regional economic growth.