Prabowo: First Battery Export Proves Downstreaming Strategy Is Right

Jakarta (ANTARA) — President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia’s first electric vehicle battery export demonstrates the success of the government’s industrial downstreaming strategy to increase the added value of the country’s natural resources.

“Today, the first electric vehicle battery export is an important step. It is tangible proof that our downstreaming strategy is right, and we will continue it as effectively as possible,” Prabowo said on Thursday during the launch of the downstreaming programme at the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) in Central Halmahera, North Maluku. His remarks were monitored online from Jakarta.

Prabowo said the first battery export and the launch of 11 downstreaming projects in the area were the result of efforts and decisions made by previous administrations.

According to the President, development carried out by earlier leaders had helped bring Indonesia to its current achievements.

He said the energy and spirit of the past needed to be carried forward to drive Indonesia’s development in the present and future.

At the event, the President launched the first electric vehicle battery export and four industrial projects that are entering commercial operations at IWIP.

The four projects are Blue Sparking Energy, REPT Battero Indonesia, Pioneer Aluminium Industries and XCMG Indonesia Manufacturing.

In total, the 11 industrial projects comprise four entering commercial operations and seven beginning construction.

The downstreaming programme has a total investment value of US$10.2 billion, or around Rp180 trillion.