Indonesia aims to become a hub for EV manufacturing

Indonesian President Joko Widodo aims to position the country as an Asian hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, leveraging its vast nickel resources. Indonesia seeks a free trade agreement with the United States to qualify for EV subsidies. However, challenges include meeting environmental and social standards, and navigating the heavy Chinese presence in its nickel production sector. Indonesia's importance in the battery metals supply chain has grown, but it faces scrutiny over its ESG credentials.