26-4-2024 (JAKARTA) Numerous domestic and international companies have demonstrated keen interest in developing the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital city in Kalimantan, with the aim of establishing a smart and environmentally friendly urban center, government officials revealed.
During an online seminar on Wednesday (Apr 24), Agung Wicaksono, the Deputy for Funding and Investment of the Authority of Nusantara (OIKN), stated, “There are a lot of companies or private investors who are interested in getting involved in Nusantara, especially in EV development,” as reported by the Antara news agency.
The interested parties encompass both domestic and international entities, including state-owned enterprises, private companies, and investors, he added.
Bluebird, a major Indonesian taxi operator, is among the companies already laying the groundwork for their projects in Nusantara. Bluebird’s initiatives involve providing electric-powered bus rapid transit services to support urban transportation, electric-powered taxis, electric-powered rental cars, and public buses connecting the Balikpapan-Nusantara route.
Furthermore, ComfortDelGro from Singapore is among the foreign companies that have expressed interest in investing in Nusantara’s EV transportation sector, according to Mr. Agung.
He further stated that companies such as China’s BYD, Indonesia’s PT Kalista, and the Czech Republic’s Škoda are eager to participate in the EV manufacturing industry. Authorities have emphasized that EVs play a central role in realizing Nusantara’s vision of a smart and green city with an environmentally friendly transportation system.
The Authority of Nusantara (OIKN) has reported that private vehicles in Nusantara will be limited, with public transportation accounting for 80% of traffic. The majority of transportation modes within the city will be non-fossil fuel vehicles or electric-powered, it added.
President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, had previously encouraged Nusantara residents to exclusively use EVs for travel within the city.
Last year, President Jokowi inaugurated a 50-megawatt solar power plant project in Nusantara. According to Kompas, the plant is projected to generate approximately 93 gigawatt hours (GWh) of green energy annually, resulting in a reduction of 104,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
President Jokowi recently extended an invitation to Apple CEO Tim Cook to invest in the new capital city. The invitation was extended during their meeting in Jakarta last week.
The government aims to make Nusantara Indonesia’s new capital city in August, coinciding with the country’s 79th Independence Day celebrations.
In September, more than 10,000 Indonesian civil servants from 38 ministries and institutions will relocate to Nusantara, marking the initial phase of the city’s population growth.
The construction of Nusantara is being carried out in five stages, with the first stage nearly three-quarters complete, encompassing essential infrastructure like the presidential palace, offices, and housing. Additionally, toll roads and other major road networks are expected to be operational later this year.
The final stage of Nusantara’s construction is scheduled for completion by Indonesia’s centennial in 2045, when it will be connected to surrounding cities such as Balikpapan and Samarinda.
