TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The head of the Electric Vehicle or EV Battery Project Acceleration Team, Agus Tjahajana Wirakusumah, said there had not been much discussion held with electric car manufacturer Tesla. Agus made the statement in response to issues the US company wanted to invest in Indonesia.

“The discussion is not finished yet, so the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment is still negotiating,” said Agus, who is also the Chief Commissioner of state mining holding company PT Inalum, at the event of the prospect of battery holding on Thursday, March 4.

However, Agus said his side was ready if Tesla came in and needed lands. “We will provide lands if needed,” he added. However, he claimed they were still waiting.

Previously, the Deputy of Investment and Mining from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Septian Hario Seto, said his side planned to discuss with Tesla. “We will have a direct discussion with them involving Antam and Inalum,” said Septian as quoted from Bisnis.com on Friday, February 5.

Amid the issues, Tesla reportedly planned to build their electric car production center in India. A Special Staffer to State-owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Thohir, Arya Sinulangga, confirmed the Indonesian government’s discussion with Tesla was not for the EV production, but rather the EV battery project.

Read: Negotiation with Tesla in Progress, Says Govt Investment Board

FAJAR PEBRIANTO