Indonesia lures EV makers in race to secure nickel supplies

Emma ConnorsSenior editor and writer

Apr 23, 2023 – 2.26pm

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Singapore | Carmakers are making major investments in Indonesia in the global race to secure supplies of key minerals used in EV batteries, as South-East Asia’s largest economy steps up protectionist measures to lock in manufacturers.

President Joko Widodo’s decision to ban exports of nickel that are critical to EV battery production is paying dividends, with growing foreign investment in downstream processing and refining. Tax holidays and other incentives are also aimed at luring carmakers and turning Indonesia into an EV manufacturing hub.

Emma Connors was South-east Asia correspondent from October 2019 until mid-2023, based in Jakarta and Singapore. She has previously edited Perspective and Opinion and has written extensively across the AFR and related titles.