Southeast Sulawesi Will Be Used As One Of The Electric Vehicle Battery Ecosystems

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Investment Minister/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia targets Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra) in 2024 to become one of the electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystems with downstream nickel through the use of renewable new energy as a resource.

"The year 2024-2025 Southeast Sulawesi will be part of the downstream area to build an EV battery ecosystem," said Bahlil Lahadalia at the commemoration of Nusantara Day in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, December 13.

He explained that Southeast Sulawesi is rich in natural resources in the form of nickel and asphalt. However, he continued, downstreaming of nickel in Southeast Sulawesi is not as massive as in other areas.

"It must be admitted that downstreaming in Southeast Sulawesi is indeed not as massive as other regions, only until half finished. In the future we want to build an added value of up to 70-80 percent. So that added value exists in this area, and it is able to create jobs with adequate salaries," said Bahlil.

He explained that the construction of downstream factories will also increase regional income which will have an impact on the welfare of the local community.

In addition, Bahlil also emphasized that the downstream nickel process in Southeast Sulawesi must implement the concept of a green economy, which implements sustainable principles in economic activities.

"Now, if we want our products to be sold in the world, we can't avoid green energy, green industry. If we still use coal, our products will definitely not sell, or are not appreciated as well as the industrial process that uses green energy, EBT," he said.

Therefore Bahlil emphasized that green industry and the use of new and renewable energy will be a requirement for investors to build nickel downstream factories in Southeast Sulawesi.