Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) is moving forward with plans to build a manufacturing facility for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, marking a significant step in expanding the downstream nickel value chain at the integrated industrial estate in Central Halmahera, North Maluku.
Industry and government officials have confirmed that IWIP aims to begin commercial lithium-ion battery production by 2026, with initial capacity expected to start at around 8 gigawatt-hours (GWh) and expand to up to 20 GWh by 2027. The project is being positioned as a key milestone in Indonesia’s broader strategy to establish a complete domestic EV battery ecosystem.
The planned facility will leverage local nickel supply and precursor materials as essential feedstock for battery production, supporting Indonesia’s ambitions to move beyond raw material exports toward higher value-added manufacturing. With Indonesia already hosting precursor and cathode supply projects, the development of a domestic battery plant represents a major advance in building an integrated supply chain from nickel mining to EV component production.
Government representatives and industry leaders have highlighted that the project not only strengthens Indonesia’s role in the global battery and EV industry but also aligns with national objectives to reduce reliance on imported battery materials and capture greater economic value domestically.
The initiative is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities and stimulate further downstream investment in the Weda Bay industrial ecosystem, complementing IWIP’s existing nickel processing and precursor production operations.
As the global transition toward electric mobility continues to accelerate, IWIP’s battery manufacturing plans signal Indonesia’s commitment to becoming a key regional hub for clean energy technologies and advanced materials production.
this is a reproduced artcle from: https://lestari.kompas.com/read/2026/01/16/212000486/siap-siap-produksi-baterai-ev-iwip-bangun-pabrik-di-weda-bay?page=all
