Indonesia’s Gibran, Asian EV Pioneer Discuss Innovation and Technology Development
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has discussed ways to strengthen Indonesia’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, promote technological innovation and enhance the country’s role in global EV supply chains during a meeting with renowned electrical engineer and academic Ching-Chuen Chan.
The meeting took place at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta on October 28, according to a statement reported by Indonesia’s media. Chan, an Indonesian-born Chinese academic, is widely known as the “Father of Electric Vehicles in Asia.”
During the discussion, Gibran highlighted the importance of developing a strong ecosystem for research and innovation, strengthening government support for the electric vehicle industry and encouraging young Indonesians to contribute to technological advancement.
He emphasized that Indonesia should capitalize on its abundant natural resources and move beyond being merely a consumer of technology towards becoming a developer of homegrown technological solutions.
Gibran acknowledged that despite the country’s considerable resources, innovation remained at an early stage and required greater attention to unlock its full potential.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making electric vehicle manufacturing a priority sector, in line with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto. Particular emphasis is being placed on electric motorcycles, an industry that has already demonstrated progress.
The vice president noted that appropriate incentives for consumers would be important in encouraging wider adoption of electric motorcycles and supporting the expansion of the domestic EV market.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Stella Christie, who also attended the meeting, underscored the need to align educational curricula and competency certification with the evolving requirements of the electric vehicle industry.
She stressed that Indonesia must not only develop skilled human resources to meet industrial demands but also strengthen its capacity to create and advance its own technologies.
Meanwhile, Chan called for closer cooperation between Indonesia and China to accelerate electric vehicle development, facilitate the exchange of technical expertise and encourage young Indonesians to pursue innovation.
He also emphasized that technological self-reliance would be essential for Indonesia to strengthen its competitiveness in the global EV market, stressing the importance of investment in research, development and innovation.
The discussions highlighted the significance of collaboration among government institutions, academia and industry in building a sustainable electric vehicle ecosystem and advancing Indonesia’s ambitions to become a stronger player in the global technology and manufacturing landscape.
