1Berita – Indonesia and Hong Kong officially entered into a collaboration for the electric vehicle (EV) battery project on Thursday (28/12).

The partnership is facilitated through PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam) and Hong Kong CBL Limited (CBL).

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, stated that this collaboration is the world’s first encompassing stages from nickel mining to the battery cell and pack gigafactory, as well as recycling.

“This addresses questions about downstream processes, where there is still much to be done here,” said Luhut through an official statement.

He emphasized the importance of efficiency and project speed due to the increasingly competitive global landscape. Luhut also stated that project execution must adhere to high environmental and labor standards.

“We must be transparent with digitalization, and the project execution should set an example as a standard for similar projects in the future,” he added.

Luhut acknowledged criticism regarding environmental issues and committed to making improvements, including enhancing mechanisms and standard operating procedures (SOP).

He also emphasized the need for local employee training to keep up with high technology.

“Let’s agree that the involved officials must be transparent, so Indonesia can become an example of a developed and transparent country,” said Luhut.

Similarly, Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized the need to implement environmental and labor standards in carrying out the collaboration.

“Congratulations to the ANTAM and CBL teams. Implement environmental standards, workforce recruitment well, and strive to minimize potential risks,” said Bahlil.