IBC Chief Reveals Latest on Indonesia's Giant EV Battery Factory Project

The President Director of Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), Aditya Farhan Arif, has provided an update on the electric vehicle (EV) battery factory project in Karawang, West Java. The plant, which has a production capacity of 6.9 GWh, is targeted to commence commercial operations in July 2026. According to Aditya, construction progress has now reached approximately 90%. Consequently, the company is optimistic that the commercial operation target for the end of July 2026 can be achieved. He explained that the factory’s development concept is based on market demand, meaning production capacity is built when demand already exists. This ensures that buyers are ready to absorb the products, allowing the factory to operate at full capacity immediately upon entering the commercial phase. Trial production is already underway at the PT CATIB factory. Aditya further explained that the nickel value chain, from mining to battery production, involves a lengthy process. The stages begin with mining activities, followed by initial processing, then the production of battery materials, and finally battery manufacturing. PT CATIB occupies the most downstream position in this value chain, making it a crucial part of the entire integrated nickel industry ecosystem. The initial capacity of 6.9 GWh will soon be expanded to at least 15 GWh, which is equivalent to powering approximately 250,000 electric vehicles.