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Indonesia exports first EV batteries as $10.2 billion nickel project launches
President Prabowo Subianto launched Indonesia's first EV battery exports from Weda Bay Industrial Park and oversaw groundbreaking for an 11-project, $10.2 billion nickel downstream initiative. The expansion marks a milestone in the country's strategy to increase resource value and strengthen its EV industry, with four projects now in commercial operation and seven under construction.
Quick Facts
- First export of Indonesian-made EV batteries
- Groundbreaking of downstream nickel projects
- Commercial operation launch of four industrial projects
- Construction commencement of seven new industrial facilities
- President Prabowo Subianto
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the country's first export of electric vehicle batteries from the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) in Central Halmahera, North Maluku, on October 8, 2026. The milestone coincided with the groundbreaking of an 11-project downstream nickel initiative valued at $10.2 billion, aimed at increasing the value of natural resources and strengthening the domestic EV industry.
The downstream expansion includes four industrial projects entering commercial operation and seven new facilities beginning construction. According to Investment Minister Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, completed projects represent $3.4 billion in investment, while projects under construction account for $6.8 billion. The industrial park has already absorbed over 100,000 workers. Rosan stated that IWIP alone has generated approximately $11 billion in exports, and when combined with the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) in Central Sulawesi, the two regions account for $28 billion in exports—roughly 10 percent of Indonesia's total.
Prabowo emphasised that the initiative reflects policies implemented by previous administrations and described the export as "concrete proof" that the government's downstreaming strategy is on track. He noted that total investment realised at IWIP has reached approximately $20 billion, with an additional $7 billion planned, bringing total commitments to $27 billion. Prabowo committed the government to protecting investor interests, stating it is "a matter of honour" for Indonesia to safeguard its investment partners.
The downstream ecosystem spans the full EV battery supply chain, from raw material processing and battery component production to battery recycling. Both IWIP and IMIP have installed electrical capacity exceeding Singapore's total electricity consumption—IWIP at over 7.1 gigawatts and IMIP at 8.8 gigawatts. Minister Rosan indicated that downstream investment's contribution to total national investment has risen from 25 percent to 35 percent over the past two years, with over 75 percent of realised investment occurring outside Java.
Why This Matters
Indonesia's EV battery export milestone and $10.2 billion downstream nickel investment expansion affect global EV supply chains and resource value capture. The industrial parks now employ over 100,000 workers and generate $28 billion in combined annual exports (roughly 10 percent of Indonesia's total). Completed projects represent $3.4 billion in realized investment; under-construction projects add $6.8 billion. Total committed investment at IWIP reaches $27 billion. The full downstream ecosystem—from raw material processing to battery recycling—positions Indonesia as a supplier of battery components and finished EV batteries to global markets, with infrastructure (7.1 and 8.8 gigawatt electrical capacity across the two parks) exceeding Singapore's total electricity consumption.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 8, 2026
WirePresident Prabowo Subianto inaugurates Indonesia's first EV battery export from IWIP; groundbreaking ceremony for 11-project $10.2 billion downstream nickel initiative begins
Oct 8, 2026
WirePresident Prabowo arrives at IWIP in Central Halmahera, North Maluku