National Tech Day; Jokowi Stresses Ambition to Develop EV
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10 August 2021 19:44 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi said that Indonesia should not only take advantage of its abundant resources, but must also add value to its products through the development of downstream industries. Speaking at the 26th National Technology Day Ceremony broadcasted on YouTube on August 10, Widodo expressed his desire to develop nickel into electric vehicles (EV).
"Take nickel for example. We have nickel mines, but we must not stop there. We have to develop its downstream industries—from lithium batteries to producing electric cars," he said in his opening address, Tuesday.
Jokowi said that in the future the global market will lean towards eco-friendly products—particularly those with low carbon emission. The same goes with digital economy.
"The key to all of that is technology," the president said.
The president has instructed the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to drive the acquisitions of advanced technologies. BRIN, he said, must be able to prepare a fast and accurate acquisition strategy, as well as develop the technologies needed in the country.
"Find smart ways to acquire technology cheaply, and turn us into an independent technology producer," he said.
BRIN, Jokowi added, must also immediately integrate the national power in research and innovation. He said there were hundreds of world-class Indonesian researchers, innovators and diaspora researchers. "They are the powers than we must consolidate," he said.
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Dewi Nurita