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Jun 22, 2026 Major2
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Indonesia to Commission CATL-Antam EV Battery Plant in Karawang by End of July 2026
The Indonesian government confirmed that the CATL-Antam EV battery plant in Karawang, West Java, will be inaugurated by the end of July 2026, following a report by Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to President Prabowo Subianto. The plant represents a key downstream nickel processing project and is expected to complete the first phase of Indonesia’s integrated EV battery ecosystem, with national energy reserves also reported above the minimum 20-day threshold.
Quick Facts
Who
Bahlil Lahadalia
What
Announced inauguration of EV battery plant in Karawang
When
end of July 2026
Where
Karawang, West Java
- Announced inauguration of EV battery plant in Karawang
- Reported energy security status to President
- Addressed PLN’s electricity reliability issues
- Bahlil Lahadalia
- Prabowo Subianto
Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced that the integrated electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem plant in Karawang, West Java, will be inaugurated by the end of July 2026. The statement was made after a coordination meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday, June 22, 2026.
The plant is a joint venture between Indonesia’s state-owned mining holding PT Antam Tbk, the state-owned battery consortium Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), and a Chinese consortium comprising CATL, Brunp, and Lygend (CBL). The project marks a major milestone in Indonesia’s downstream nickel processing strategy, aimed at building a complete domestic EV battery supply chain.
During the meeting, Bahlil also reported on the country’s energy security status, stating that Indonesia’s national energy reserves currently exceed the minimum requirement of 20 days on average. He added that the government is also working with state electricity company PT PLN to address three key issues affecting grid reliability, including the performance of gas-fired power plants.
PLN’s annual coal consumption stands at approximately 154 million tonnes, while the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) for coal set by the Energy Ministry ranges from 180 to 190 million tonnes per year. Of that, PLN has contracted about 134 million tonnes. Minister Bahlil noted that the utility is seeking medium-calorie coal for blending purposes, a matter the government has helped resolve. He urged PLN to accelerate maintenance to ensure reliable service to the public.
Topics
Why This Matters
This plant marks the operationalization of the first fully integrated EV battery ecosystem in Indonesia, directly advancing the country's ambition to become a global hub for nickel processing and battery manufacturing. For investors and industry observers, it signals concrete progress in executing high-capital downstream projects, potentially reducing reliance on raw nickel exports and creating new trade dynamics with China. The timeline alignment with energy security updates also indicates the government's focus on balancing industrial expansion with grid stability—a key concern for both domestic and foreign stakeholders.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 8, 2026
WireMinister Bahlil stated the plant would be inaugurated in the first semester of 2026
Jun 22, 2026
WireMinister Bahlil reported to President Prabowo that the plant is complete and will be inaugurated at the end of July 2026