Prabowo kicks off e-motorcycle ecosystem to push nickel use
The government is providing eased credit access to back local electric two-wheelers and push for the use of nickel-based batteries in an industry increasingly dominated by lithium alternatives.
Indonesia's President Joko Widodo has launched a program aimed at bolstering the country's electric motorcycle industry through the use of nickel-based batteries. The Molinas program, announced at the production facility of the Alva electric motorcycle in Cikarang, West Java, involves the government, state-owned companies and private businesses.
It aims to develop a domestic electric motorcycle industry that would reduce fuel imports and increase electric vehicle adoption. The effort is led by state asset fund Danantara, with the aim of strengthening domestic production and utilizing Indonesia's abundant nickel resources. At least 10 national motorcycle companies have met local-content requirements and will participate in the initiative.
The program's lead integrator is state-owned PT Len Industri, and Danantara will oversee the development of a local battery supply chain. Indonesia is the world's largest producer of nickel, with about 46 percent of global reserves located in the country. The government hopes to capture more value from this resource by processing it into battery cells and packs for electric motorcycles, rather than relying on imported components.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
