VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said his government is targeting to put at least two million electric vehicles on the road by 2025.

"The target is two million electric vehicles to be used by Indonesians and will continue to the export market," he remarked while launching an electric vehicle ecosystem at MT Haryono gas station, Tebet, South Jakarta on Tuesday.

Indonesia is very serious about transitioning to the use of new renewable energy, he said. The use of electric vehicles is one of the efforts to accelerate this transition, he added.

He then lauded business players who are contributing to developing the electric vehicle ecosystem, both in the upstream and downstream sectors.

Indonesia can become an electric vehicle manufacturer and leader with the support of the electric vehicle ecosystem, from upstream to downstream, Widodo affirmed.

To support the development of the electric vehicle industry, it is hoped that electric battery factories with a large production capacity can be completed soon in Indonesia, the President said.

"The production capacity (of electric vehicles) will be increased, maybe in collaboration with companies from Taiwan, such as Gogoro, so that the (Indonesian) electric vehicle ecosystem can be made ready to compete with other countries," he explained.

Moreover, the electric vehicle ecosystem is one of the main foundations for environmental preservation because such vehicles do not cause pollution, Widodo said. In addition, electric vehicles will enjoy robust demand since their energy source is readily available, he added.

"I have witnessed how the vehicle is charged, which takes a short time. I think this kind of management is desired by vehicle users," he said.

Tuesday’s launch event was attended by several business leaders supporting electric vehicle ecosystem development, such as state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina, Electrum, Gojek, Goto, Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), and Gesits. (Antaranews)